Shhhhhhh…

Wainwright kicks off a major U.K. and European tour tomorrow evening at Manchester’s Apollo Theater, where he’ll debut music from his melancholy but brilliant new piano-driven project, All Days Are Nights: Songs for Lulu.

Other U.K. stops on the docket are Bristol, Nottingham, Oxford and Ipswich. European destinations include Ireland, Austria, Belgium, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Estonia, Finland, Poland, Denmark and The Netherlands.

The North American leg of the journey begins with a pair of shows June 15 and 17 at Toronto’s Elgin Theatre, with additional dates set for Buffalo, N.Y.; Sainte-Foy, Quebec; Westhampton Beach, N.Y.; Philadelphia and Saratoga, Calif.

A message to fans on the singer’s website explains the no clapping deal:

“Rufus has asked us to pass on this message to everyone attending his shows on the tour:

The first part of the program will be performed as a song cycle with visuals by Douglas Gordon. During the first set, Rufus has asked that you please do not applaud until after he has left the stage. His exit is part of the piece. After a brief intermission, Rufus will return for the second part of the show during which you may applaud to your heart’s content.

Please also refrain from photography during the first set.”

So don’t say you weren’t warned. You’re welcome.

Tickets for most shows on Rufus Wainwright’s upcoming tour are on sale through links in the tour section at RufusWainwright.com.