Joe Brown is a one off, no question about it. The cheeky chappie with the cockney accent has forded the tides of change, weathered the decades and bridged assorted musical genres with a stellar aplomb unrivalled.
His capacity to impress and amaze never falters. And now, following a mega successful trial run last year, Joe embarks on his first national solo tour. No band, no supplementary backup musicians, no dancing girls - just Joe Brown, unadulterated, upfront and personal.
Kicking off this month, the tour runs until March 2018 encompassing a staggering 70 dates. Not bad for a man in his mid seventies and testament to his enduring popularity over the years.
Of course Joe Brown is well known for being one of the UK's original rock 'n' roll guitar pioneers. More recently, since The Concert For George, he's become the leading light and staunch champion of the ukulele. His history is unique and remarkable.
From the days of music hall and growing up in an East End pub through the skiffle era of Lonnie Donegan then jumping, almost overnight, into rock 'n' roll, Joe's seen it all. Keith Richards respects him, George Harrison loved him, the Beatles supported him, Mark Knopfler plays with him…the man is unique. He's been a radio star, a TV personality, an actor and, not least, the head of a musical dynasty. To say this man has a few stories is an understatement - and on this tour he’s going to tell them!
Anecdotes and the odd joke or two will be interspersed with some of the great music that has made Joe such a sought after performer today. And, if that weren't enough, he’s got an old friend along too.
Special guest for the night will be guitar maestro Henry Gross. No slouch himself at the odd drollery and raconteuring (think Jackie Mason of the beat age), Henry was the lead guitarist, singer and founder of hit US group Sha Na Na. He was also the youngest musician to appear at Woodstock. To say he’s a superlative musician would be an understatement.
Upcoming arena tours
And as a special bonus the show last year was recorded, all the highlights - the stories, the music, the jokes, warts and all. A double album produced by Henry wass released on October 6 and will be available at all live dates as well as all usual outlets, a great tribute to a truly memorable night.
The Just Joe tour will include dates at The Winding Wheel, in Chesterfield (01246 345222) on Wednesday, October 25; the Town Hall, in Birmingham (0121 780 3333) on Saturday, November 4; the Regent Theatre , in Stoke-on-Trent, (0844 871 7649) on Wednesday, January 24; the Gatehouse Theatre, Stafford (01785 619080) on Thursday, February 15; the Opera House, in Buxton (01298 72190) on Friday, February 16, and the Grand Theatre, in Wolverhampton (01902 429212) on Thursday, March 8.
Tickets are on sale now, priced from £27.50 to £35 and more information is available via www.joebrown.co.uk
