Over the next few weeks the legendary Lulu will make four appearances at north-east venues as part of her ongoing UK Tour that began in Basingstoke in mid-September.
First up is the Whitley Bay Playhouse this Sunday followed by trips to Billingham Forum Theatre, York Barbican and then Durham’s Gala Theatre, part of an impressive, 55-date, nationwide soiree.
Known for those hits such as ‘Shout’ and ‘Relight My Fire’ among others the Grammy-nominated singer is hitting UK venues immediately after doing a UK tour with those ageing, evergreeners, Take That, with whom she had ‘that’ number one hit with in the late nineties.
It’s a track still well-loved by the masses today, as is the rest of her back catalogue, after all it’s been some 55 years since the release of ‘Shout,’ Lulu’s 70-year-old stance far from showing as she continues to light stages across the UK.
There’s no signs of her slowing down and hanging up that microphone anytime soon either, with prime examples to back her case she said: “Look at the Stones; look at Elton.
“There’s your answer. If you’re passionate about music – and I am – why would you stop?
“I’ve so enjoyed touring with my amazing band over the past few years that it didn’t take very long for me to get the urge to hit the road again.
“We’ll be playing here, there and everywhere, so I invite fans old and new to come along and share a great night covering my six decades in music.”
The inclusion of Take That in the Lulu story is just one of many, although it nearly never happened.
Lulu had already enjoyed 25 years in the music industry when Gary, Mark, Jason, Robbie and Howard burst onto the scene, and another handful of years before the two outfits combined for what would become a hit single.
“I initially reacted with uncertainty,” admitted Lulu.
“I was quite wrong, of course, because it brought me to a whole new audience.
“And Relight My Fire is a great song; I knew it from the 70s.
“To be honest, I thought my vocal was just a try out… The boys loved it, though.”
It was to be a decision well-made however, Take That and Lulu spending a fortnight at number one in October 1993, Lulu’s first to top the charts as well!
A show that is packed full of Lulu’s hits music lovers can expect tracks such as ‘The Man Who Sold The World.’ ‘Relight My Fire,’ ‘Boom Bang-A-Bang,’ and of course, ‘Shout’ being belted out as she continues what is already a more than remarkable career.
Check respective venues for ticket updates as Lulu appears at Whitley Bay Playhouse (September 29), Billingham Forum Theatre (October 3), York Barbican (October 5) and Durham’s Gala Theatre (October 15).
