MUMBAI: Pan Asian music broadcaster Channel [V] is heating up Asia’s concert scene with a series of live concerts to be staged in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore in January 2007.

The channel will bring music aficionados music and live concerts from such diverse acts as operatic supergroup Il Divo; Grammy-winning R&B singer-songwriter-pianist John Legend; and post-grunge modern rockers Hoobastank. The brioadcaster is also promoting the concerts of Korean sensation Rain in Malaysia and Singapore.

Star executive VP, content Ross Crowley said, “These concerts celebrate Channel [V]’s commitment to bringing world-class music to Asia both live and on-air. We’re proud to support these and other outstanding international and Asian musicians with original programming, concert ticket giveaway contests and dedicated online initiatives. Channel [V] is devoted to promoting quality music throughout Asia.”

Channel [V] has associated itself with a number of other international artists’ Asian tours. The channel was the official TV partner of the concerts of British rock group Oasis, Grammy-winning hip hop singer Kanye West, New York punk pioneer Blondie, Glasgow rock quartet Franz Ferdinand and sassy pop act Pussycat Dolls. In addition, sister channel STAR WORLD was the official TV partner for the July 2006 concert of Coldplay in Hong Kong and the upcoming Eric Clapton tour, which will take the legendary guitarist and singer through Hong Kong and Singapore early next year.

To build up momentum for the concerts of Il Divo, John Legend, Hoobastank and Rain, Channel [V] will launch a number of programmes such as the Il Divo Special and a series of special On the Record episodes.