Music

ABBA – Forever, presented by Sweeney Entertainments, is one of the UK’s leading International tribute shows and theatre audiences from across Great Britain and Sweden have long enjoyed this superb recreation of possibly the world‘s greatest pop band.

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.

The Alban Arena is a venue with a rich history of welcoming touring acts, some of which have gone on to world-wide fame - such as Dire Straits, who played there in 1978. I saw the legendary Rory Gallagher there in 1988, more recently The Waterboys and The Gorillaz have graced the stage. It is maybe a sign of the times that more tribute bands than original artists perform there these days. So when two of the UKs most respected musical artists were coming to the Alban Arena it was likely to be an evening not to be missed!

I've seen Think Floyd a few times now and they never disappoint. Of course playing the music of Pink Floyd means you have an amazing musical back catalogue to work through. And for the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd they did just that, playing something from each album. Personally I have little love for the very earliest and latest albums in their history, but it made for an opportunity to hear some pieces that I had long since forgotten. I could happily just have Dark Side of The Moon and Wish You Were Here back to back and go home smiling, so I suppose good to make me broaden my horizons.

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.

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.

Petty Criminals, the UK’s top Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers tribute band, are currently performing ‘THE TOM AND STEVIE SHOW’ a joint TOM PETTY and STEVIE NICKS greatest hits show, with slideshow and animations.

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:

Life-long Aretha Franklin fan and power-house vocalist, Letitia George stars in this heartfelt and uplifting dedication to the Queen of Soul. Letitia George rose to the spotlight after featuring on series four of BBC 1's The Voice UK, where she became a member of Team Ricky and soared her way through to the knockout rounds. Letitia also presents the radio show ‘The C Word’ on BBC Radio Coventry every Monday evening and has just won this year’s Gillard Award for Newcomer of the Year.

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.