Music

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.

Waiting For Katherine (WFk) will be playing tomorrow night (5th Feb, 8pm) at the Horn! I have heard of this great local band but I will finally get to see them in action this weekend!

There was a real family affair at the Alban Arena on January 20th. Friends, family and fans of the late great rock musician Jim Rodford gathered at the theatre to pay tribute to a local hero. At the side of the stage under a spotlight was a poignant reminder of the musician who had died in St Albans 12 months earlier – his bass guitar and hat.

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

Hugh Cornwell is touring the UK in November 2019 to promote his new album 'Monster'. I was lucky enough to be able to speak with him for 20 or so minutes to ask a variety of questions about his musical influences, his career as part of The Stranglers, his solo career post-The Stranglers, the state of music and plans for the future. Also whether a reunion of The Stranglers original lineup could ever happen.

Next Saturday, I will be enjoying 'old meets new' when the St Albans Symphony Orchestra, performs a musical journey under their new conducter Bjorn Bantock. The orchestra will play well-known and loved pieces like Dvorak's Symphony No 9.....

Reviewing a tribute band will always be difficult. Do they sound as good as the original? Do they look the part? Thankfully ABBA Forever came up positive on all these points and I believe the sold-out crowd at the Radlett Centre would back me on this.

We have some great live performance and welcome the return of Chantel McGregor, one of the rising stars of the blues-rock scene, as well...

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?

The New Year is almost upon us! If you have eaten too much pud and want to get out and about experiencing St Albans life, consider these events;