Music

Jackson Live in Concert, presented by Sweeney Entertainments, brings the hugely talented ‘CJ’ to theatres across the UK, recreating the Michael Jackson experience with his stunning rendition of all his favourite songs. Michael Jackson is not only remembered as one of the most influential artists of all time, but many of today’s artists have been inspired by his iconic style. His career spanned nearly five decades of music, and he was continually at the forefront of popular music.

It's springtime again in our beautiful city and there are plenty of events going on in the theatres and other venues for you to get out and enjoy! Here are a few for you to choose from:

The Red Hot Chilli Pipers and Red Hot Chilli Dancers come to St Albans – Alban Arena on Friday 14th June 2024. In 2023 and 2024 the Red Hot Chilli Pipers will embark on a world tour to celebrate their 20th anniversary. The tour will be accompanied by the release of a first Best Of Live album in the Spring of 2023, featuring new recordings of all their best loved tunes and songs. The Pipers will be accompanied on the tour by the amazing Red Hot Chilli Dancers….It really is a sizzling show!

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.

Petty Criminals - the UK's top Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Tribute Band come to Harpenden Public Halls 2nd November 2019 to bring you an evening of classic rock in the shape of an American icon – one of the greatest songwriters and greatest bands of our time, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. The “Criminals” dig deep into the life, the music and the incredible influence of the man. You will experience Tom Petty’s legendary career through authentic performances and a huge catalogue of his music spanning four decades. From deep cuts to greatest hits, you’ll journey through early songs like American Girl, Breakdown & Refugee, through the ‘80s and early ‘90s with classics like Freefallin’, Runnin’ Down A Dream, I Won’t Back Down & Learning To Fly, with highlights from the seminal album “Wildflowers” and his later albums. This show is an unforgettable musical journey through the life and works of one of the greatest and much missed rock stars of our time.

Jackson Live in Concert has to be the most accurate and exciting tribute to the King of Pop to have ever toured UK theatres. Presented by Sweeney Entertainments, this concert show is in its eight year of touring and sees long-time fan and hugely talented Ben recreate the Michael Jackson experience with his stunning rendition of all his favourite songs.

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.

I was pleasantly surprised to find out that a local group was to perform 'Spamalot'. St. Albans Musical Theatre (previously known as St Albans Operatic Society) have been producing high-quality productions for some years now and I must say expectations were high. St. Albans is blessed with many high-quality amateur and professional performers (being located close to London being one of the main reasons), as well as directors and choreographers.

I've just found time to add a post about the Alban Opera. I must admit to an interest here as I'm singing in the choir. So very busy for the next week with rehearsals and then 5 performances in 4 days.....

The top UK tribute to Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers is coming to the Alban Arena on the 11th March 2023. The band are based locally, in St. Albans and have been performing since 2018. For this show, as well as all the greatest songs of Tom Petty, such as Freefallin’, I Won’t Back Down, American Girl, Refugee, Learning To Fly, Mary Jane’s last Dance, Breakdown, Don’t Come Around Here No More and Running Down a Dream, the show will also feature some of the best Stevie Nicks songs, including Landslide, Dreams, Gold Dust Woman and Edge of Seventeen.