Russell 'The Voice' Watson Announces 2017 North American Tour Dates

Four-time Brit Classical Awards winner Russell Watson has announced his first North American tour dates, kicking off June 4 in Toronto, Canada. A survivor of two major brain tumor surgeries, the multi-platinum English tenor is touring in support of his highly acclaimed FOD album, True Stories. His 15th top twenty album and his 6th number one classical album in the UK, True Stories includes appearances by members of Radiohead/Portishead, Oasis/High Flying Birds and Blondie. The only artist ever to be number one on the Classical Charts in the U.S. and the UK at the same time, Watson will be performing songs from his new release as well as greatest hits from his illustrious career.

"I feel that I've been blessed with a second chance at life," said Watson. "I've toured extensively, but America holds a special place in my heart. Music is my passion and I'm thrilled to be performing at these amazing venues in some of the greatest cities on earth."

Watson is described by the London Times as a performer "who sings like Pavarotti and entertains the audience like Sinatra." He has collaborated with Paul McCartney, Lionel Richie, Lulu, Meatloaf, Alexandra Burke, Sean Ryder and the late, great Pavarotti. Watson has performed for U.S. Presidents, various European Prime Ministers, Emperor of Japan, King of Malaysia, and royalty including ten performances for Queen Elizabeth. Even the late Pope John Paul II requested a private audience with the humble crooner. His classical crossover style and diverse repertoire have earned him accolades across the globe.

The following are his upcoming concert dates:

June 4, 2017 Queen Elizabeth Theatre Toronto, Canada

June 7, 2017 Town Hall New York, NY

June 10, 2017 Ford Centre for Performing Arts Chicago, IL

June 14, 2017 the Theatre at Ace Hotel Los Angeles, CA

For ticket information in Los Angeles only: www.axs.com

For ticket information all other dates: www.ticketmaster.com

Watson's success is a real-life Cinderella story. Dropping out of school at sixteen, he found himself making nuts and bolts at a factory in his hometown of Salford, UK for nearly a decade. Following his passion for music and performing, he entered a local talent competition and beat out four hundred contestants. His exceptional talent was embraced and a career spanning fifteen years and ten studio albums was born. Watson has toured the world and performed for thousands of fans, dignitaries and global sporting events including the Opening Ceremony of the World Games, the Commonwealth Games, the Rugby League Challenge Cup Final at Wembley Stadium, among others. At the height of his success in 2005, Watson was diagnosed with a brain tumor and underwent surgery and rehabilitation. He returned to touring, but a second tumor was discovered in October 2007. Watson had emergency surgery followed by extensive rehabilitation and radiotherapy. Following a long recovery process, he overcame his illness and returned to the stage. Grateful for his success, Watson serves as a patron for many charities and is an Ambassador for the Duke of Edinburgh's "Fellowship Trust," as well as Prince Charles' "The Prince's Trust."

For information on Russell Watson please visit: russellwatson.com

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