Lionel Richie Headed Down Under

Lionel Richie fans in Australia and New Zealand will be dancing on the ceiling when they learn he’s booked a round of shows down under for his first tour dates of 2011.

In early October the singer/songwriter/producer stopped by the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia to perform at the 2010 AFL Grand Final. He previously toured Australia and New Zealand in fall 2007, which marked his first Australian trek in 20 years.

The 2011 dates kick off March 18 at Vector Arena in Auckland, New Zealand. Shows are booked through an April 6 gig at nib Stadium in Perth, Australia.

Photo: AP Photo / Keystone

Zermatt Unplugged Festival, Zermatt, Switzerland

Richie will be making a number of appearances at 2011’s “A Day On The Green” with Australian shows in Hunter Valley (March 26), Bowral (March 27), Yarra Valley (April 2) and McLaren Vale (April 3). He will also play Napier, New Zealand (March 19).

Additional performances include shows in Wellington, New Zealand (March 20); Sydney, Australia (March 22); Boondall, Australia (March 25); and Melbourne, Australia (March 29).

Australian pop singer-songwriter Guy Sebastian will open for Richie.

“Words can’t describe how thrilled I am to be invited on Lionel’s tour,” Sebastian said in a statement. “He’s a living legend and has always been an influence on me … I grew up with his music in my ears.”

A presale through Frontier Touring begins Friday, Dec. 10. Tickets go on sale to the general public Dec. 14.

Click here for Lionel Richie’s official website.