Joe McElderry is returning to home turf with a show that honours a man who played a key role in the start of his music career - George Michael - as the X Factor winner brings Freedom to Newcastle this weekend.
When he was still just a teenager, South Shields singer Joe triumphed on the ITV talent show back in 2009 and got the opportunity to due with late music icon George in the final, with the pair bringing the house down with a superb rendition of Don't Let The Sun Go Down on Me. Fast forward 13 years and Joe, having played at venues across the country in spring and summer with his own songs, is now earning rave reviews for his show packed full of George Michael classics.
The world was rocked by George's death in Christmas 2016 but now Joe, 31, is determined to keep his memory and his music alive with a concert performance which arrives at O2 City Hall on Sunday, October 16. Limited tickets are still available, head to Ticketmaster to get yours.
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On getting to be back at a venue he hasn't played in a while, Joe told ChronicleLive : "I can’t wait to be back in Newcastle it’s been a few years since I have played the City Hall and I always love it and obviously bringing the show back to the North East is going to be super special! It’s such an iconic venue and I know Newcastle are going to be so loud as they always are.
"The audiences around the country so far have been out of this world! I think with this show it’s such an celebration of incredible music and for a lot of people many memories of when each song was released so it’s great fun but also a little nostalgic at the same time."
On what people can expect from Freedom, Joe, who is starring in panto in Newcastle again this year, explained: "There’s so many amazing moments in the show, which I think we underestimated the reactions - when people hear the intro to the songs and they go crazy for it!
"There’s a duet moment in the show which I think every night people go crazy so I’m looking forward to the Newcastle audiences hearing that! And obviously the hits that everyone knows and loves it’s a real feel good singalong show."
And finally, on paying tribute to a man who' s legacy will live on and on, Joe added: "I’m thrilled to be doing this tour and honouring George Michael. As people already know, he was a huge inspiration to me so to be able to sing his incredible music every night is truly a gift!"
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