What’s On

IT’S been 30 years since The Christians’ heartstopping blend of divine harmonies and glorious melodies (with an undertow of anger) first entered our lives.

Their self-titled album still remains Island Record’s highest selling album from any debut artist.

Three decades later, Sings and Strings is a sparkling reinterpretation of nine Mersey Soul Christians classics (eight selfpenned and The Isley Brothers’ Harvest For The World), plus You’ll Never Walk Alone.

“It’s pretty much what it says in the title”, says Garry Christian, the recognisable face and voice of The Christians (who originally performed with two of his brothers).

“There’s my vocals, the Echo String Quartet from Liverpool – who added some youthful enthusiasm – plus four great singers from the AMC Gospel Choir in Birmingham, Andy Steele on piano, and backing vocals from my band members Joey Ankrah and Neil Griffiths.”

Garry’s vocals are as soulful as they were 30 years ago, but in 2017 there’s a new, added layer of experience.

From the piano introduction that begins When The Fingers Point, to the hushed almost gospel take on Ideal World, Sings and Strings breathes new light through old windows.

Garry added: “You’ll Never Walk Alone was an interesting one as a lifelong LFC fan and a lead singer on the Hillsborough tribute song in ‘89 and Ferry Across the Mersey, and the song was obviously close to my heart having heard it most weeks of my life.

“Joey and I had recorded a really rough version which I stumbled upon while with Lance Thomas and he loved it and said ‘let’s do it’ so we did”.

The Christians ‘Sing And Strings’ comes to Southport Theatre on Saturday, November 4 as part of a joint tour with Midge Ure with his Band Electronica and Altered Images featuring Clare Grogan. For more information, go to www. atgtickets.com