The tour’s off – but Pompey gets an intimate show instead
The Rifle Club, Fratton Saturday, December 11 book.events/fieldevents
Vocal harmony stars The Overtones may have had to pull their Christmas tour, but the wider UK’s loss is Portsmouth’s gain. Instead of the tour, the platinumselling group are playing a handful of intimate shows – including one at The Rifle Club in Fratton.
Falsetto singer Darren Everest says: ‘We're usually on tour at Christmas, it’s always a busy time for us, but we've postponed it this year until May because of it was proving impossible, logistically – it’s quite boring really.
‘But that means we're able to get out for one-night-only shows like this one in Portsmouth, which we're really excited about.
‘Jay (James) used to live there, so it will be a bit of a homecoming for him. We know it's a good night out there...’
Jay joined the group in June 2019 after the departure of Lockie Chapman. Following a decade in the navy Jay embarked on a singing career.
‘We've known Jay since before we got signed to Warners (in 2010). We featured on a charity album and he was on it as well, we'd see him on the circuit and he supported us a few times – it was a natural fit.
‘He said something really nice, that it was always the path for him to end up in The Overtones. He looks dapper in a suit, he loves the old school songs, loves to have a laugh and doesn't take himself too seriously, so you've got an Overtone born and bred right there!’
Last year saw the four-piece’s 10th anniversary, but due to Covid they were unable to mark it properly. They finally released the album 10 in June this year.
‘The way things are going, I feel like five years later we'll still be celebrating 10 years,’ laughs Darren, ‘but look, long may those celebrations continue!
‘It's not been very fortunate timing, but we're just looking to getting out as much as we can before Christmas and making it a big party.
‘I think people are ready to let their hair down and have a drink and have a dance and think about something other than what's been happening in the last couple of years.
‘It's obviously been an awful time for everyone, but something that The Overtones do, and we're known for doing, is making people smile and feel good, so that's what it's about – put your dancing shoes on, have a drink and let's have a good night. We did some shows a few weeks back and it's just nice to be about and performing in front of people again. It's amazing to feel the energy from the crowd and do something that's not on Zoom for once!
‘We're just four lads on stage having a laugh and I think that's why people enjoy our shows – we talk to the audience, we sing songs that make people feel good. It's a good night out, and the four of us are in a good place, so long may that continue.’
People are ready to let their hair down and have a drink and have a dance