WESTERN DAILY PRESS
7 February 2014
Due to the success of their previous tours, Queen guitarist Brian May and singer Kerry Ellis are to perform together once again in a new show, the Candlelight Concerts.
Kerry was the creator of the role of Meat in Queen’s rock theatrical, We Will Rock You, and went on to become a sensation on both sides of the Atlantic starring as the Green Witch in the musical Wicked. During this time, Brian and Kerry maintained a special musical partnership, with Brian producing the her debut album Anthems in 2010. Their first tour played 12 successful dates around the UK in 2011, including two sold-out nights at London’s Albert Hall, for which Kerry won the Best Solo Performance award from Whatsonstage.com.
The Candlelight Concerts will see Brian and Kerry perform stripped down versions of Queen classics alongside a number of their personal favourite songs, showcasing Kerry’s extraordinary voice with Brian accompanying her on both guitar and vocals.
Brian said: “Although life has taken me into so many new areas recently, music is still what energises me – the greatest joy. And Ms Ellis is the most inspiring collaborator – we’re a pretty good band. I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring this show to a wider audience. I’m already working on hardening up the finger ends.”
Kerry added: “I am so excited to be taking to the road again with the candlelight concerts; it’s humbling to have such demand for our show. I can’t tell you how much I enjoy performing these songs with Brian and what fun we have with the audiences in these intimate settings. I feel very honoured and can’t wait to get going.”
Kerry and Brian have performed together to wide acclaim on a number of occasions over the last few years. Preceding their previous tours, they stole the show when they performed together at the Royal Variety Show in 2008 and at the BBC Proms in the Park and at 2010’s The Night of 1000 Voices. Along with TV appearances, they also memorably opened the Remembrance Day concert at the Royal Albert Hall in 2010.
Before hitting the road again, Kerry and Brian have also collaborated with legendary British screen actress and animal rights activist Virginia McKenna to record a version of Virginia’s original song Nothing Really Has Changed. It was recorded during the duo’s live performance at the recent Montreux Jazz Festival, and all profits from the sale of the track will go to the Sponsor Badger Vaccination Fund.
Tickets for the Candlelight Concerts are on sale now and Brian and Kerry will be playing Bath Theatre Royal on Sunday February 23. For tickets go to www.theatreroyal.org.uk or call 01225 448844.