24Seven - Arts: Superstar of the Summer Pops.

Byline: with Joe Riley

THE race to be the biggest Superstar of the Summer Pops has been officially won-- if ticket sales are anything to go by.

Pops organisers have revealed that this week the Paul Simon concert on July 24 has become the first to sell out.

The man who allegedly penned Homeward Bound on Widnes station (urban myth or not? - watch this page for more revelations) has beaten the likes of Sir Elton John (July 9) Bryan Adams (July 27) and Meat Loaf (July 29) to sell-out status.

This means that 4,500 fans will definitely be in the Big Top to hear Paul Simon work his tuneful way through an illustrious back catalogue, which, of course, spans the Bridge over Troubled Water era and his own masterpiece, Graceland.

Top tip from the Pops people: if you want tickets for Sir Elton, Meat Loaf, Bryan Adams or Supertramp (July 19), move fast!.MANY stars are known for the outlandish or extravagant riders which they request in advance of touring dates.

However, Jools Holland (at the Pops on July 4) wins points for moderation, good taste as well as quirkiness, with his thoroughly reasonable wants list.

Apparently Jools has asked for 12 Liverpool postcards with first class stamps to be in his dressing room on arrival.

Other favours requested by Jools include four kingsize Havana cigars, five bottles of champagne (hardly excessive given that there are 24 people in the touring party!) and fine wines with `proper wine glasses.'.The announcement of the support act for Culture Club (July 6) prompts a one-hit wonder question: Can you name the song with which Owen Paul made it to number 3 in the charts back in May 1986?

Owen, now known by his full name Owen Paul McGee, will be warming up for Boy George and Co. in the Big Top.

And doubtless, that tune (gold star to everyone who remembered My Favourite Waste of Time), will be on his playlist.

CAPTION(S):

TOP DRAW: Paul Simon's Pops gig is the first to sell out