Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
We’re in the mood again
Nolans sing for Linda, 60 and beloved sister Bernie
THE Nolan sisters – and brothers – reunited in song yesterday at an “extra special” and emotional show.
The seven siblings performed a one-off gig to mark the 60th birthday of Linda Nolan, who has incurable cancer.
It was the first time they had performed together since their beloved sister Bernie died from breast cancer in 2013, aged 52.
The clan put old family disagreements behind them and gathered for rehearsals at the home of Anne, 68 – a member of the original Nolan Sisters line-up, famed for their 1980 hit I’m in the mood for Dancing. Last night’s Blackpool show was for 240 family and friends and the Nolans sang a special arrangement of The Way We Were, in tribute to Bernie.
Alongside Linda and Anne were Loose Women TV star Coleen, 53, Denise, 66, Maureen, 64, Brian, 63, and the oldest sibling – Tommy, 69.
Speaking ahead of the show, Linda said: “I was knocked sideways by my diagnosis in 2017 and didn’t know if I’d make my 60th birthday.”
Of Bernie, she added: “It’s the first time we’ve learnt a harmony without her. It really knocked me when we started singing that Bernie wasn’t here.”
Coleen said: “I got very emotional when I heard the tape. But Bernie is always with us and I know she would want us to do this.”
Anne joked Bernie would be “listening for a wrong note”. She was relieved to be singing a ballad, adding: “I’m nearly 70. I’d look a right twit doing choreography.”
And Maureen said: “It’s a celebration. It’s great to get back together and sing.”