George Michael Tribute Show FASTLOVE Will Embark on an Arena Tour
By: Stephi Wild Dec. 03, 2018
In just over a year, Fastlove has become the world's leading show celebrating the incredible career of George Michael. Playing sold out shows across the UK through the whole of 2018, 2019 will see this it step into Arenas for the first time bringing with it a larger production and band worthy of one of the worlds greatest ever performers.
Already a smash hit in the West End with a run of shows at the Lyric Theatre, it has gone from strength to strength thrilling the public and critics with Encore Magazine calling it a "... a must see show", event specialist magazine Access All Areas saying it's "... hauntingly beautiful" and the North West End quite simply stating, "I think it's amazing!". In just over a year the show has sold over 300k tickets and due to huge demand, it has gone global with tours currently in Germany, Australia, Canada, Ireland, Sweden, Belgium, Denmark and Holland with more to be announced in the coming months.
ORIGINAL BAND MEMBERS - Also playing on the tour is Ed Barker, George's original saxophonist, Anton Stephans, a former backing singer to George Micheal, Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men, as well as an X-Factor finalist., and Colin Graham, Wham!'s incredible trumpet player.
Fastlove is also excited and proud to announce a partnership with The Terrence Higgins Trust (www.tht.org.uk). Following George's death, his rarely-publicised philanthropy became apparent with a number of charities, one being The Terrence Higgins Trust. It was important for James Taylor, CEO of Entertainers, the promoters of Fastlove, and Joseph, Fastlove's George, that the show honour this vital part of his legacy as much as the performance, as James explains...
"George Michael the musician and performer was there for all to see. Rightly he was regarded globally as one of the greatest pop stars of all time with an unmistakable voice, that was coupled perfectly with his incredible songwriting and performances, and with Joseph we have the world's leading George Michael tribute who has worked tirelessly with our production and engineering team to ensure the Fastlove show gives everyone the opportunity to remember and celebrate George's musical legacy.
"But as importantly, George used his position of fame for a greater good. For me, Joseph and everyone at our company, it was as important for us to continue to support causes that were important to him. We are delighted to be working with The Terrence Higgins Trust moving forward and for every ticket sold a donation will be made to them to continue the vital work that they do."
This is a show that celebrates everything about George Michael. Tickets are on sale now at https://www.seetickets.com/tour/fastlove-arena-tour.
January 12th 2019 - Edinburgh Playhouse
March 15th 2019 - Newcastle City Hall
March 23rd 2019 - London Eventim Apollo
March 28th 2019 - Liverpool Echo Arena
April 11th 2019 - Glasgow Kings Theatre
May 3rd 2019 - Plymouth Pavilions
May 16th 2019 - Derby Arena
June 6th 2019 - Bournemouth International Centre
June 21st 2019 - Leeds First Direct Arena
September 13th 2019 - Bridgewater Hall
September 20th 2019 - Hull Bonus Arena
September 21st 2019 - Cardiff Motorpoint Arena
October 19th 2019 - Nottingham Royal Concert Hall
November 8th 2019 - Brentwood Live
December 12th 2019 - Birmingham NEC
These Arena dates will mark the evolution of Fastlove, showcasing a larger production, a bigger band, more classic show-stopping numbers and the appearance of George Michael's own saxophonist, Ed Barker.
Joseph Sansome, leading man and lifelong George Michael fan, comments of his role "Being the star of the Fastlove show has been a dream come true and it's amazing to perform at theatres and Arenas all over the UK. I am honoured to be representing George Michael and his memory through the show, and we have very exciting times ahead with a UK Arena Tour and performing at some of the same venues that the great man performed at. I often have to pinch myself to the reality of it all".
George Michael's saxophonist Ed Barker, who will be playing on select shows says, "It was an honour to play for George Michael as his sax soloist and as you can probably imagine, that's a hugely tough act to follow. But every night this show reminds me how it felt. As Fastlove tours the nation's best venues, I almost feel like I'm there with him again each time I walk on stage. We've got a fantastic band, fabulous dancers, Joseph is great, and the audiences really know how to party. It's a huge pleasure to be involved and a real privilege to be able to keep George's music alive".
Anton Stephans, who will be performing on the arena shows, that will include performing as Elton John for the 'Don't Let The Sun Go Down' duet, says "Performing with George is, without doubt, the highlight of my career, it was an absolute honour. I went to the Fastlove West End premiere in January (2018) out of pure curiosity and I knew immediately that this is a show that loves George and wants to celebrate him and his incredible music. I contacted James (the show's creator) immediately to tell him how much I loved it and that I wanted to be involved. It's taken a while, but we are finally here and I can't wait to get started on the special arena tour."
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