Curtain falls on Ambassadors’ 30-year career
APOPULAR tribute band are bringing an end to their 30-year career with a series of farewell shows.
After decades of performing all over the world, The Ambassadors will return to their hometown of Rochdale for their last three gigs.
Formed in 1990 by brothers Stuart, Chris and Steve Kean, alongside Mark Thompson, Wes Brierley and Dean Leckemby, the group was originally known as Stu’s Roadshow before they were convinced to change it.
One of their first big breaks came at the turn of the century when the band were asked to perform Bury’s New Year’s Eve show in 1999. In the following years they played at part of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee on the HMS Drake Plymouth and were taken to Rhode Island in America for the end of a round the world yacht race.
They also successfully auditioned for both the X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent where they reached the semi-finals, and even performed in venues across Europe.
However, after Mark (who performed the Rocky Horror tribute) retired, the band was down to four members and have since decided to call it a day. With most of the group now in their 50s, Steve said the decision was largely down to their age.
He said: “As far as The Ambassadors are concerned it’s going to be really sad. My dad used to be part of the Ambassadors as well and he used to do the lights but he died of cancer last year.
“He used to go to every single gig wherever we where - and my mum as well. They were both with us all the time.”
Almost 30 years after their first ever performance at Wardle Conservative Club, the band will return to the same venue for their last ever one on December 14.
They will also perform at Sacred Heart Football Club, on November 9, and the Radcliffe suite at Rochdale FC, on November 23.
Steve added: “We have been together for 30 years and never once fallen out. We have done some great stuff and we have been really well known in Rochdale.
“We have done a lot of gigs in Rochdale and we just want to thank everybody for helping us to get where we have got. We are going to miss it and them but things always have to come to an end.”
Fans can expect a return of all their favourite bits, including Elvis, the Blues Brothers, the Beatles and even Rocky Horror - with Mark ●●The Ambassadors tribute act (from left) front: Chris Kean and Mark Thompson. Back: Steve Kean, John Kean, Wes Brierley, Stuart Kean returning to the stage for the first time since 2015.
They will also be telling stories in-between gigs of some of their most memorable moments from over the years.
All tickets will be priced at £10 and the band will be supporting both Rochdale Hospice and Macmillan in doing so.