Music

Regarded by many as one of the best live bands of the 80s, Sad Café are back. Original members Ian Wilson and bassist Des Tong are joined by long-time associate, singer/songwriter Sue Quin, the exciting vocal talent of Barry James Thomas and lead guitarist Dave Day along with multi-instrumentalist Neil Shaw-Hulme, keyboard player Matt Steele and drummer Bryan Hargreaves to once again perform their catalogue of great songs including the unforgettable Every Day Hurts, My Oh My, Strange Little Girl and many more. Support comes from Sunbirds. The man who once told us he loved us from the bottom of his pencil case, founder Beautiful South member Dave Hemingway returns with his new band.

Arriving at the Radlett Centre, there is a buzz of excitement as fans of all ages; including, parents, children and their grandparents, hang out in the auditorium waiting for the event to begin.CJ is one of the most experienced, dedicated and well-respected Michael Jackson tribute artists and he perfectly captures the electrifying energy of Michael Jackson’s live performances with the look, the voice and the moves!This evening, CJ, with his band, backing singers and incredible dancers, recreated a spectacular performance of his favourite Michael Jackson songs with great lighting display, visual imagery and audio clips taken from Michael’s professional life.

he Music in the Parks season comes to Clarence Park, St Albans on Sunday, 29 July with a line-up of some of the finest local acoustic talent. This free concert will provide a platform for local performers David Hoare, ‘The 45’s’, Alex Lilly, and The Vaulted Skies to show off their musical talent. Music in the Parks events are provided throughout the summer by St Albans City and District Council at Verulamium Park, Clarence Park, Rothamsted Park and Redbourn Common. The concerts feature an eclectic line-up of talented local artists and are managed by the Arts Team at St Albans Arts, Sport and Health (SAASH) – the development arm of Leisure Connection.

To celebrate their 10th year anniversary and 30 years since The Beautiful South released ‘Song For Whoever’, The South are back this Spring, with a March 2019 - UK Tour playing shows up and down the whole of the UK. The South are an impressive 9 piece band who feature former members of The Beautiful South including singer Alison Wheeler and lifelong sax player Gaz Birtles.  Since Dave Hemingway, the original singer, left the group at the end of 2016, Gaz has moved across to front the band with Alison and taken on vocal duties. They play the songs made famous by The Beautiful South and bring back the full flavour and arrangements with this exciting live band.

On the Friday 21st March 2014 FLASH - a Tribute to Queen Live in Concert will be coming to The Radlett Centre, show starting 8pm. Tickets are £18.50 and £17.50 and you can book on 01923 859291. I interviewed Scott Maley, who plays Freddie Mercury, about the show, why a Queen tribute and and lots more. You can hear the interview below.

The top UK tribute to Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers is coming to the EMC Harpenden 18th November 2022 (moved from The Alban Arena). The band are based locally, in St. Albans and have been performing since 2018. During a 2+ hours show they perform the greatest songs of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. The performance will include early songs that brought Tom Petty to the attention of the world, such as American Girl, Breakdown & Refugee, through the ‘80s and early ‘90s with classics like Don’t Do Me Like That, Freefallin’, Runnin’ Down A Dream, I Won’t Back Down & Learning To Fly. Also highlights from the seminal album “Wildflowers” and his later albums. The show will also include the best songs from his time with The Traveling Wilburys, such as Handle With Care and End Of The Line, and duets with Stevie Nicks, such as Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around

Steve Harley celebrates his 50th year in music in 2022 and continues to play concerts around the world. He says that playing Live is more than a job, it’s almost his life’s blood. Considered one of the most charismatic Live performers at work today, the original Cockney Rebel tours with a full 6-piece rock band and also fronts the Steve Harley Acoustic Band.

On the Sunday 16th February 2014 the Johnny Cash Roadshow will be coming to The Radlett Centre, show starting 8pm. Tickets are £18.50 and £17.50 and you can book on 01923 859291. I spoke to Clive John who performs as Johnny Cash in the show and asked him, various questions, such as - Why Johnny Cash? What is it about him or his music that appeals to you?

Wednesday 1st July, 2009 is a date to put in your diaries! St Michael’s Village, St Albans will be filled with music, dance and fun for all.

Can it really be 37 years since George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley formed one of the most enduring pop groups of the 80s? In four short years WHAM! sold more than 28 million records, topping the charts with three albums, four number one singles and eleven top ten hits. They featured in the Live Aid concert of 1985 and were the first western pop group to ever tour in China. Their impact and influence on the 80s era and music today really cannot be over-emphasised. The Best of WHAM! Show includes all those hits, a few B side favourites and a couple of early George Michael bonus songs.