Man of Steele

Barry Steele – who will this month stun the audience in Dundee with his ability to recreate the vocal talents of Roy Orbison – gives us an insight into his life

Barry Steele stuns audiences with his Roy Orbison songs – and he’s coming to Dundee next Saturday.

Q What is it about Roy Orbison’s music that you love so much?

A Orbison’s songs not only have wonderful melodies and tunes – the lyrics are some of the most sublime ever written. Not only does the music take you back in time, the songs can make you happy, sad and emotive all at the same time. Orbison is known as a balladeer, but he also recorded and performed rocky and contemporary songs. His songs are quite simply timeless. Q When did you first discover your singing abilities and their likeness to Roy Orbison’s? A It was on a family holiday in Cornwall in 2001 that I took the first steps on the road to becoming a professional singer, when my wife Lynne and daughter Leonie entered me into a singing competition without my knowledge. It was there that a fellow competitor said to me: “You know, you sound just like Roy Orbison singing Robbie Williams!” So with the help of family and friends a tribute to ‘The Big O’ was born. Q What is your favourite Roy Orbison song? A California Blue and Leah. Q What can the audience expect from The Roy Orbison Story? A I am backed in this all-live, multimedia show with not only a fabulous band and musicians, but a big screen featuring both live streaming and images from the life and times of Roy Orbison, interspersed with facts and information about the life and times of what is considered to be one of the best singers the world has ever known.

Q What was your Plan B, in terms of a career?

A My career in music started quite late in life, so I guess you could say Plan B arrived before Plan A. Before my musical career took off, I was a qualified HGV and tanker driver. I was also in the RAF. I have refuelled Vulcans and Red Arrows, and also worked for many years for ASDA as one of their drivers. Q Which musicians, apart from Roy Orbison, alive or dead, inspire you? A To be honest, the person that has inspired me the most was my uncle and namesake, another Barry Steele, who was on the circuit in the ’60s and ’70s. He had, and still has, the most amazing voice, on par with Harry Secombe! Q Your house is on fire, what one item do you save? A After the wife, it would be my guitars! Q Last meal on earth? A Spag bol! Q Dream dinner party guests? A Roy Orbison, Jeff Lynne, George Harrison, Bruce Springsteen, Toyah. Q First thing you’d do if you won £1 million? A I don’t think a million would be enough, as I would love to own my own theatre. I would also love to buy an articulated lorry, as I do miss driving them. Q Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know? A I love indoor bowls. Q Favourite holiday destination? A Wales. Q What was the last book you read? A Harry Potter. Q Describe yourself as if you were a fine wine? A Fresh and fruity. Q What makes you happy? A Playing bowls. Q What makes you sad? A Missing playing bowls. Q Have you ever had a paranormal encounter? A I haven’t but my wife has. She lost her younger brother recently and it was very sudden. Since then she has had experiences. Q What was the first album you ever bought? A Wings. Band On The Run. Q If you could go back to any point in history, what would it be? A I would like to go back to the ’80s – the music was phenomenal then. Q Who do you admire most? A Roy Orbison and our family. Q Who would you like to thank? A My wife for pushing me and creating the show, my parents for my voice, and our family for their support. Barry Steele presents The Roy Orbison Story at Gardyne Theatre, Dundee, on September 21. dundeebox.co.uk

Barry Steele takes on the role of ‘The Big O’ in The Roy Orbison Story, the American singer, songwriter, and musician known for his impassioned singing style.