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Elkie Brooks looking forward to Mercia Live Level gig
Versatile Elkie Brooks is aiming to fully test the new acoustics at the Mercia Live Level when she brings her 50th Anniversary Tour to the Ricoh Arena.
The powerful voice of one of the UK’s most popular singers, who is celebrating her five decades in the music industry with a year-long series of concerts the length and breadth of the country, will be heard in the state-of-the-art auditorium.
Salford-born Elkie, who has produced over 50 singles and 20 studio albums, will be appearing in the 650-seat indoor arena at the Mercia Live Level at the Ricoh Arena on Saturday, October 30, at 7.30pm.
She will be performing alongside musicians Brian Badhams (bass), Melvin Duffy (guitar), Steve Jones (sax), Andrew Murray (piano), Lee Noble (vocals) and Mike Richardson (drums).
“I’m looking forward to playing in a brand new venue – it makes me feel good to hear that I will be among the first to perform in there,” she said. “When I started out with Vinegar Joe our first audience had two people in it!
“I always try to put on a great show wherever I am. I just want people in the audience who are on my side and having a good time.
“I have been on the road on and off since 1960 and I still thoroughly enjoy it. I have a great band of lovely people and great musicians and a good time is had by all. There is a good team spirit.
“A lot of the shows on this tour have been sold out. We have done a lot of gigs already this year and we are very busy in September, October and November.
“I think people keep coming back because they know I put on a good show and we all want to have a good time when we go out.
“Instead of working night after night, I split my shows throughout the year to get a night off in between which is much better instead of doing 60 or 70 consecutive nights.
“As long as I have my fitness, I intend to carry on for some time to come.”
Elkie is still remembered for her classic hits Lilac Wine and Pearl’s A Singer. In the first half of her show, she will sing some cover hits of other artists such as Chris Rea and Perry Como as well as her own more laid-back numbers before belting out more powerful, rock tracks after the interval.
“Pearl’s A Singer has been through some changes over the years because I have been singing it since 1977,” the 65-year-old said.
“The current version is great because my sax player Steve Jones plays two choruses slowly at the end which everyone loves.”
Tickets, costing from £21 plus booking fee, are available for the show at the Mercia Live Level at the Ricoh Arena by ringing 0871 620 4028 or from http://www.ricoharena.com
PICTURE: Elkie Brooks, who is bringing her 50th Anniversary Tour to the Mercia Live Level at the Ricoh Arena
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