Smokie is a British pop-rock band that was among the most popular groups of the 70s and 80s - with hits like "If you think you know how to love me", "I'll meet you at midnight", "Lay back in the arms of someone", "Wild Angels", "Oh Carol", "Mexican Girl" and many more that topped the charts.
With a total of 15 Top-20 hits, including "Living next door to Alice", which sold over 30 million copies worldwide and was number 1 in Germany for 9 weeks, they made music history. The original lineup consisted of Chris Norman (vocals, guitar), Terry Uttley (bass & vocals), Alan Silson (guitar & vocals) and Pete Spencer (drums & vocals). The band played in the classic beat formation - two guitars, bass, and drums - stood out for their excellent harmony vocals and had as another hallmark the distinctive raspy voice of lead singer Chris Norman.
However, anyone who thinks of boring soft rockers at the name 'Smokie' is mistaken: Even back then, the boys had plenty of rock 'n roll in them, delighting audiences not only with their singing but also with emotional and compelling guitar sounds.
After Chris Norman left Smokie for his solo career, the band found a worthy successor in Alan Barton in 1986, whose rough voice resembled that of Chris Norman. Alan Barton ushered in a new era for 'Smokie' as the lead singer and further shaped the face of this world-class band with six released albums.
However, a tragic accident occurred in 1995: The band’s tour bus went off the road - Smokie members Terry Uttley and Alan Silson walked away with scrapes, while lead singer Alan Barton succumbed to his severe injuries.
Unfortunately, after the tragic death of Alan Barton in 1995, it became quiet around 'Smokie'.
Today, none other than Dean Barton, Alan Barton's son, who unmistakably inherited the distinctive raspy yet soulful voice of his father, stands on stage as the frontman of SPIRIT OF SMOKIE.
By his side is a close friend of his father's, lead guitarist Andy Whelan, who was long the guitarist for Chris Norman, still collaborates with him today, and has been involved in many compositions as a friend and bandmate of Alan Barton. The bass is played by Graham Kearns, who also toured and recorded with Alan Barton and other bands like Sad Café and Sisters of Mercy. Their powerful voices, combined with Dean Barton's incredibly powerful and emotional growl, bring Smokie’s songs to new life.
World-class drummer Mick Bedford provides the characteristic and innovative beats; he has toured or produced with artists like Chris de Burgh, Sting, Elton John, Gerry Barlow, Tears for Fears, Ronan Keating, Tasmin Archer, and Sweet, just to name a few. The band is completed by keyboardist Jez Smith, also known from the British successful band John Lees Barclay James Harvest.
SPIRIT OF SMOKIE carry on the great era of the 70s and 80s, continue the powerful Smokie sound, and captivate their international audience with the great Smokie hits.
Modern, rocking, and with the unmistakable Smokie sound, the musicians have been successfully touring through Europe and Asia for years.
Smokie has secured a firm place in the music world - their music continues to resonate with new generations and remains a living legend in the music scene. With their timeless music and lasting popularity, Smokie shows that their evergreens have not lost significance even in today’s digital world.
With Dean Barton’s captivating voice and charismatic performance and the outstanding quality of his bandmates, SPIRIT OF SMOKIE offers a live experience of the highest class - impressive, emotional, and exhilarating.
Doors open at 19:00.
Hallo, ich bin Maya.
