Iconic singer Tony Christie will be performing his greatest hits and songs from his new album when he visits East Lancashire this month.
Christie is touring his critically acclaimed ‘A Life of Music’ show across the UK and Europe to mark five decades in the limelight – having just turned 80 and being diagnosed with dementia only two years ago.
Performing at Burnley Mechanics, alongside his hits ‘(Is This the Way to) Amarillo’, ‘I Did What I Did for Maria’ and ‘Avenues and Alleyways’, another new addition to his repertoire is ‘Thank You for Being a Friend’, which he recorded with Sting, and released for Music for Dementia as part of last year’s third annual Thank You Day organised by the Alzheimer’s Society.
Speaking to the society, Tony had this advice for anyone affected by dementia: “Never be ashamed of it, I can’t say this enough.
“People often come up to me in the street and thank me for being so honest and sharing my experience. Some say their husbands, parents, etc, where ashamed to get a diagnosis.
“But I want to encourage everyone not to be ashamed or afraid and to go to your doctors if you’re worried.”
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Tony’s latest album, ‘We Still Shine’, which was released last month, is his first in more than 12 years and sees him rekindle his love of country music.
He said: “I loved every minute of recording this album. It is very special to me and has been a few years in the planning.
“I’m thrilled to be coming on tour across the UK this year. It will be a pleasure to perform in such intimate theatre settings and share some of my best-loved songs and a few memories with the local audiences.
"These sit-down shows have always been among the highlights of my years on stage.”
The intimacy of The Mechanics will be a far cry from Glastonbury, where Sheffield-born Tony added a touch of class to the Pyramid Stage in 2009, performing all his huts as well as well-known covers of songs by fellow Sheffielders Richard Hawley and Jarvis Cocker.
The gig later this month, on Thursday, March 21, isn’t the first time Tony has come to Burnley.
He said: “I worked all the clubs in Burnley back in the 60s when in various groups.
"I think I sang at the football club once too. I can’t remember specific times it was so long ago, but I’ve always loved performing in front of a Lancashire audience.
"I’m really looking forward to bringing my incredible band to the Mechanics Theatre.”
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