Television star and legendary producer David Gest will make musical history by bringing an all-star line-up of 10 Soul and Motown artists to more than 30 venues throughout the U.K. for multiple glittering performances of ‘David Gest’s Legends Of Soul Live Concert’. This mammoth tour will call in at St. Helens Theatre Royal on 6th and 7th February 2014.
Hot on the heels of sold-out shows and rave reviews for ‘David Gest’s Legends Of Soul Spectacular‘ – his previous concert tour which smashed box office records – Gest has announced he will assemble one of the largest gatherings of top selling and most-revered rhythm and blues artists of all-time, who have collectively sold more than 100 million records worldwide. He will also be teaming up with soul songstress Candi Staton in a bid to hunt for a U.K. talent who will be signed to record a new single with the renowned singer which will be produced by Gest himself.
The dazzling line-up of talent on the tour includes: The Temptations Review Featuring Dennis Edwards, the original Grammy Winning Temptations lead singer whose lead vocals are featured on the classic recordings of Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone, I Can’t Get Next To You, Ball Of Confusion, Psychedelic Shack, Cloud 9 as well as his legendary solo debut Don’t Look Any Further, Candi Staton (You Got The Love, Young Hearts Run Free, Nights On Broadway, In The Ghetto); Percy Sledge (When A Man Loves A Woman, Dark End Of The Street); former lead singer of The Three Degrees, Sheila Ferguson (When Will I See You Again, Woman In Love, The Runner, Take Good Care Of Yourself); original female vocalist of Shalamar & Grammy Award Winner Jody Watley (Looking For A New Love, Friends, Real Love, Shalamar Medley: The Second Time Around, A Night To Remember’); original lead singer of Rose Royce, Gwen Dickey (Car Wash, Wishing On A Star, Love Don’t Live Here Anymore); CeCe Peniston (Finally, Keep On Walkin’, Somebody Else’s Guy, I’m In The Mood); Stax Records icon Eddie Floyd (Knock On Wood, Things Get Better, Raise Your Hand); Philadelphia great Eddie Holman (Hey There Lonely Girl, I Love You) and introducing on his first ever U.K. tour Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Icon, Little Anthony (Goin’ Out Of My Head, Tears On My Pillow, Better Use Your Head, Hurt So Bad). Little Anthony & The Imperials (his group) have sold more than 10 million records worldwide.
Gest and soul goddess Candi Staton will use the upcoming 30-date tour to seek out a new British talent who will be specially chosen to record a duet with the famous diva. Staton has had eight hit records in Britain and says she relishes the opportunity to share the stage with members of the public during her finale song You Got The Love and is confident with Gest’s help she will find a new singing partner in the U.K. to record a hit single with.
Candi Staton said: “David will be bringing up members of the audience who will have a chance to sing with me on ‘You Got The Love’ and show off their vocal talents. But this is no standard sing-along with Candi moment – it’s the real deal. One lucky singer will be signed to record a new single with me that a top contemporary writer has agreed to pen. The song will be produced by David Gest.”
Gest, the star of ‘I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!’ and the first American to have three primetime T.V. series in the U.K. (This Is David Gest, Grease Is The Word and Greased Lightnin’), will host the musical extravaganza.
David Gest said: “I am thoroughly excited about my most extensive tour of the U.K. and having ten true soul giants on stage including the only living lead singer of The Temptations, Dennis Edwards, who was responsible for ushering in the Norman Whitfield sound for Motown and brought the group their first Grammy Award for ‘Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone’ of which Dennis sang lead vocals on. Dennis sang lead on many of The Temptations greatest tunes and had a huge solo hit with ‘Don’t Look Any Further’, which he will also be performing with his Temptations Review. All the other artists on the bill are the original singers of their classic hits and the fans will be getting the real thing. I believe audiences are tired of going to shows where acts are advertised with no real lead singer left. This will be an amazing show with a nine piece band of some of the top musicians in the world!”
Tickets for this event are priced at £26 in the Circle, £38 in the Dress Circle and £48 in the Stalls. Tickets can be purchased from the theatre Box office, by telephone on 01744 756000 or online at www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com.