FRESH from a hugely successful arena tour with pop sensations JLS, the funk dance band Beatbullyz are gearing up for their own headline tour.

The Swindon hip-hop kings had a phenomenal year in 2010 supporting Example, N-Dubz, Jason Derulo, JLS and performing at Radio One’s Big Weekend in Wales.

“It was amazing, to have the opportunity to play with JLS, the biggest pop act at this point,’’ said Bully, alias Andy Bullimore, speaking of the arena tour.

The largest gig was in front of a 15,000-strong crowd at the O2 Arena in London.

“That was the moment of the tour. We were singing Pieces and I get everyone to wave their arms in the air.

“I looked up, my family were there and the whole place was waving. I realised then that the whole seven years work we have put in was worth it for just that moment,’’ said Bully.

The tour has increased the guys’ fan base from 13,000 to 27,000 thanks to reaching a larger crowd and the boys’ attitude towards their fans.

“We would go out to the merchandise stall at half time and there was a swarm of 400 people all for us, wanting signed T-shirts and then afterwards we went outside and had photos with the fans. It is the personal touch that helps,’’ said the singer.

“The tour also brought the whole band closer as a unit and now I am writing stuff for the new album.

“Some of the new songs will be ready for the ‘Mino-tour’, it is named after our fans who are known as Minotaurs,’’ he said.

Beatbullyz, who are Bully, the producer, singer and keyboards; Bozo the lyricist; Disco, the drummer; Philonious Funk the DJ and Yoyo the bass player will be touring throughout February up and down the UK.

Beatbullyz start their nationwide tour on February 15 and play at the 12 Bar in Swindon on February 21.

Tickets for the Swindon gig are £6 and available from www.beatbullyz.com.

The boys will kick off at King Tuts in Glasgow on February 15, followed by the O2 Academy in Islington on February 20, a home town gig at the 12 Bar in Swindon on February 21, Manchester on February 22 and Birmingham on February 23.

Beatbullyz enjoy lending a helping hand to local up and coming acts and have invited Swindon rapper AJ and Daine to support them on the tour.

The musicians have introduced Pledge Music which means giving away VIP packages such as a visit to the soundcheck, a meet at greet at all venues, answer-phone messages, VIP tickets and even martial arts lessons. Fans can chat to the guys through U Stream on Wednesdays from 4pm. It is all about engaging with the fans,’’ said Bully.