Four-time GRAMMY®-nominated singer/songwriter Matthew West prepares for the second leg of his successful Live Forever Tour with Francesca Battistelli and special guest Mr. Talkbox formerly of TobyMac's Diverse City Band. Compassion International presents this 40-city tour that will begin on September 24 in Eau Claire, WI (tour dates listed below). This special tour will be memorable for the concert attendee, as both West and Battistelli have recently topped the charts with their latest projects and songs. West's new album Live Forever achieved him his first No. 1 debut on the Nielsen Soundscan Christian & Albums chart, and Battistelli is currently holding the No. 1 position on Christian AC radio charts with her single, "Holy Spirit."

"This fall's tour is shaping up to be something special," shares Matthew West about the upcoming tour. "I'm excited to hit the west coast for the first time in a while, and to add such a great artist as Francesca to the lineup. We saw some incredible things happen during the spring tour. I've said it before, but there's nothing like bringing the music to the people and connecting with a live audience. I can't wait for this tour to begin and to see what God has in store for us as we hit the road."  

West's Live Forever debuted at No. 24 on the Billboard Top Albums chart with a 24 percent increase over his last album release. Live Forever was produced by Pete Kipley (MercyMe, Crowder) and continues West's mission to tell a story of a different kind with his music-to transform listeners' stories into life-changing songs. With comments such as "West has become a master storyteller," to "a must have album," the reviews for Live Forever have been a good indication to the immediate success of his project. Additionally, his new single, "Grace Wins" will impact radio in early August in time for the fall tour.  

"I am so excited to be going on tour with one of my favorite artists, Matthew West," states Francesca Battistelli. "I can't believe that in my seven years of doing this we have never toured together.  Having Talkbox out with us is going to be a blast too, as anyone who's ever met him can attest to his nonstop energy. To be able to combine the ministry that we're all doing to further the Kingdom and see lives changed is going to be amazing. I can't wait!"

In addition to the standard ticketing options, a special VIP ticket package is being made available with a pre-show VIP Question & Answer time with Matthew. The VIP Experience will also include an exclusive laminate for all VIP ticket holders. For more information on the VIP options as well as all ticket purchasing info for each specific date, go to MatthewWest.com.