Rod Stewart to be first rock star to play The Hydro in Glasgow

The Hydro arena is being built next to the SECC in Glasgow

Rod Stewart has been unveiled as the first rock star to perform at Glasgow's new music venue, The Hydro.

The singer, who is currently number one in the UK album charts for the first time in 34 years, will play the 12,000-seat arena on 30 September.

The venue's first concert is scheduled to be opera singer Andrea Bocelli, on 15 September.

The £125m arena's operators have denied reports that it is behind schedule.

Following the release of his latest album Time, Stewart has announced a five-date UK tour, which gets under way in Liverpool on 17 September.

The singer said: "I have been looking forward to this as I've watched The Hydro take shape.

"2013 is a momentous year for me. I cannot wait to get back to Scotland and perform in front of a live audience at this spectacular venue."

The Hydro is part of the city's Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC).