Chris de Burgh's manager has criticised the media for its constant "bashing" of the singer and denied that low ticket sales were behind a recent decision to move a concert from the O2 arena to the smaller Grand Canal Theatre.

De Burgh is on tour with his band to promote his new album Moonfleet and will
perform in the theatre next April.

According to his manager Kenny Thompson, the singer preferred the venue because it would "suit his fans" better.

"Chris visited the venue once it opened, he requested the change due to it being a much nicer atmosphere and more suitable for his fans. Also, this venue was changed 10 months prior to the
proposed concert and this far away from any show no judgment could be made on ticket sales." He said the venue was not yet open when the concert date was arranged. The Grand Canal Theatre opened last March.

The manager also said he believed the Irish press had
"preconceived ideas" about De Burgh as an artist. "I'm sick and tired of the Irish press Chris-de-Burgh bashing and lying to suit their preconceived ideas about him as an artist."

The change of venue was not advertised after it was initially billed as taking place in the O2. According to an advertisement which is still online from the 02 site, De Burgh was set to perform there on 21 April of next year.