Celebrate 20 great years with ‘The People’s Voice’
‘I just want to get back out on that stage and do what I love doing more than anything’
Russell Watson has been one of the most beloved classical stars on the planet for more than two decades. With a string of hit albums, the man dubbed ‘The People’s Voice’ has performed for popes and presidents, opened global sporting events from Champions League to Commonwealth Games, and more, writes Jules Boyle.
Now, with the live music industry opening up again, the Salford-born singer is finally getting back to doing what he does best, playing a series of live shows to celebrate 21 years since the release of The Voice, the debut album that made him a household name.
He’s also released 20, a collection of newly recorded versions of his biggest tracks over the years. and has come up with a list to please everyone.
He said: “There were the ones the fans always demand, like Nessun Dorma and Volare. Another easy choice was Where My Heart Will Take Me, the theme from Star Trek: Enterprise.
“That was such a career highlight for me, to be asked to sing something that’s going to go down in history forever. I watched Star Trek as a kid so it was a real shock that Paramount chose me to do that.
“The album kind of chose itself although there are a few that maybe could have been there too, such as You Raise Me Up.”
In deciding to make new recordings of the classics instead of releasing a greatest hits album, Russell and producer Ian Tilley had to decide whether to rework the tracks or not, which was more complex than it seemed.
Russell said: “It was on my mind. Some tracks were definitely approached differently. Where My Heart Will Take Me for example, we rewrote that into a ballad.
“I’m so pleased with how that turned out, versus the old version which is very ’80s rock in its approach. It’s more reflective. Tracks like Volare and ‘O Sole Mio were changed more subtly, just in terms of tempo and rhythm, which worked nicely.
“You don’t mess with core classical tracks like Nessun
Dorma though, you don’t start rewriting Puccini.”
Russell has come a long way since his days grafting on a Salford factory floor by day and singing in clubs at night, but he maintains it has taken drive, resilience and even a bit of luck.
He said: “The more I was told no, the more determined I became. Even 18 months before I had my first album at the top of the Classical Charts and flying up the main one, I was told by a major label I would never be a classical singer and should try Broadway or something. There was always something in my mind that knew I would achieve my goals in life.
“I’m in charge of my own career now and am already planning two years ahead at least”.
He added: “It’s felt like an eternity these last 18 months, like I’ve lost my purpose.
“I just want to get back out on that stage and do what I love doing more than anything in the world.”
Tour dates are Oct 20 Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, 22 Shrewsbury Severn Theatre, 24 Leicester De Montfort Hall, 28 Cheltenham Town Hall, 29 Cardiff St David’s Hall, 31 Buxton Opera House, Nov 2 Harrogate Royal Hall, 5 Basingstoke Anvil, 7 York Barbican, 14 Birmingham Symphony Hall, 17 Hull Bonus Arena, 21 Crewe Lyceum, 25 Nottingham Royal Concert Hall, 26 Manchester Bridgewater Hall, 28 Southend Cliffs Pavilion, 30 High Wycombe Swan Theatre, Jan 14 Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.
To book visit via http://www. raymondgubbay.co.uk/whatson/russell-watson-1 website.