Quite pleased about this - was bound to happen wasnt it?? Duke's Special deal John McGurk 07 May 2006 IT'S the real deal. An Ulster music man has just been snapped up by one of the UK's most influential record companies. For the man who would be music king, Duke Special has just signed a "long-term recording deal" with V2 Records. Duke Special - real name Peter Wilson - has joined the home of chart-topping artists like Stereophonics and Paul Weller and hip, influential acts such as Bloc Party and Elbow. Details of the deal are shrouded in secrecy. But the man who signed him, V2's Charlie Pinder told Sunday Life that he is absolutely delighted to now be actively involved in the Belfast man's career. Said Charlie: Every once in a while, an artist comes along that stands for everything that music can be and should be - original, passionate and honest songs, performed in a unique way. "The first time I saw Duke Special, I was hooked and we are absolutely delighted to be signing him to a long term recording deal. Long live the Duke!" Duke starts a 30-date UK tour on Friday with gigs at Belfast's Empire Music Hall on May 27 and 28 and a show at Londonderry's The Nerve Centre on June 3. He told Sunday Life: "I am thrilled to say that I have found a label that has allowed me to continue to pursue my art and, rather than stifling things, are actually encouraging me in some crazy ideas!"