A hitmaker since Bono was in short pants, Tony Christie is renowned for classic songs such as Is This the Way to Amarillo, Las Vegas, Avenues and Alleyways, I Did What I Did for Maria, and many more.
Tony returns to Ireland on his The Legend Lives On tour which includes dates at the Cork Opera House on Thursday 25 January and The Helix, Dublin on Friday 26 January.
We didn't look for directions to Amarillo, but did ask Tony the BIG questions . . .
Tony Christie! Legend! Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I’m happily married to Sue for 56 years. I have three kids and seven grandkids. I feel lucky that God gifted me with a voice.
How would you describe your music?
A lot of the records I’ve made and had hits with are mainly story songs. Some happy, some sad. Always big productions. My new music is much the same as my old.
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Who are your musical inspirations?
There are so many but Sinatra is my hero and all-time favourite singer. I also loved Ella Fitzgerald, Brenda Lee, Matt Monro and Tony Bennett.
What was the first gig/concert you ever went to?
Everly Brothers at the Sheffield City Hall. I was about 16 years old. They had a big fall out before the show and only Don came on and did the whole show alone.
What was the first record you ever bought?
I would have been about 15 years old when I bought my first single and it was All I Do Is Dream by The Everly Brothers. I started to perform their songs in a glee club with school mate Dave.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Apart from my new single Just Like Yesterday I’ve been enjoying Rumer’s new single which is a beautiful interpretation of Snow Bird. The original was recorded by Anne Murray.
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Favourite lyric of all time?
The Folks Who Live on the Hill by Peggy Lee
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Someone To Watch Over Me by Frank Sinatra
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Where can people find your music/more information?
My website. I’m also on Facebook and X. My music is available on Amazon, Spotify and Apple Music.
