As of last year, most Chinese people had probably never heard the name Lionel Richie, although many were already familiar with his songs. Hits such as "Say You, Say Me" and "Endless Love" have been staples of wedding parties and shopping mall muzak across the country, with the height of the singer-songwriter's career coinciding with China's economic reawakening in the 1980s.

It was during last year's finale of hit TV singing contest Chinese Idol that many Chinese would finally have been able to put a face to the author of these songs, when Richie performed a rendition of "Endless Love" with one of the show's judges, Hong-Kong born American singer Coco Lee.

On April 8, Richie will be appearing at the Mercedes-Benz Arena, Shanghai for his first full live concert in the city.

With a career spanning over 45 years, Richie has many hits to choose from with which to entertain the Shanghai crowd, both from his wildly successful solo career and his early days with chart-topping R&B group the Commodores.

The 64-year-old elder statesman of pop shows no signs of slowing down, despite already having 10 studio albums and five Grammy awards.

After his latest album, 2012's Tuskegee - named after his hometown in Alabama - he launched a global tour entitled "All The Hits, All Night Long."

A mystery guest is also scheduled to appear to duet with Richie on some of his famous songs during the Shanghai concert.

Date: April 8, 8 pm

Venue: Mercedes-Benz Arena

梅赛德斯奔驰文化中心

Address: 1200 Expo Avenue

世博大道1200号

Tickets: 380 to 1,280 yuan

Call 4006-228-228 for details