LULU, LEO SAYER AND SQUEEZE’S CHRIS DIFFORD TO JOIN JOOLS HOLLAND’S 25TH ANIVERSARY TOUR

Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra feat. Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall and Gilson Lavis have today announced the special guests for their 33-date 2021 Autumn/Winter tour kicking off in Southend on 28 October 2021. Celebrating a massive 25^th year, the 19-piece orchestra tour will be joined by music legend Leo Sayer, Britain’s first great female rock and soul singer Lulu and original Squeeze chum Chris Difford. Tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster, See Tickets, Ticketline and Stargreen as well as the direct venue websites.

This massive silver anniversary tour and welcome return to the road will include two performances at Southend Cliffs Pavilion on 28 and 29 October, London’s Royal Albert Hall on 19 and 20 November, Newcastle City Hall on 1 and 2 December, Glasgow SEC Armadillo on 3 and 4 December and Birmingham Symphony Hall on 20 and 21 December 2021.

Jools Holland and The Rhythm & Blues Orchestra will once again take their much-loved annual tour around the UK featuring dazzling long-term vocalist Ruby Turner, with her breathtaking gospel, soul, blues vocals and songs written with Jools, as well as Louise Marshall, whose mellifluous voice illuminates all she sings. Also on tour is original Squeeze member and powerhouse drummer Gilson Lavis.

In addition, for the very first time (postponed from 2020), the tour will be joined by singer-songwriter Leo Sayer (from 17 – 28 November and 9 – 17 December), Lulu (from 28 October to 15 November, 1 – 8 Dec, 11 Dec and 18 – 21 Dec) and Chris Difford (from 28 October to 27 November and 19-20 December. All three special guests will take to the stage at London’s prestigious Royal Albert Hall.

Leo Sayer is an extraordinary global musical success story with his first seven hit singles in the United Kingdom all reaching the Top 10. A prolific songwriter, he is responsible for writing songs such as “When I Need You”, “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing”, “Thunder In My Heart” and many other hits covered by artists all over the world.

The incredible Lulu last toured with Jools Holland in 2007 and will be celebrating 57 years since the release of smash hit ‘Shout’ in 2021. In 2019 she once again toured as very special guest on Take That’s Greatest Hits Live tour. Her powerhouse performances have ensured this singer, songwriter and actress remains a national treasure.

Followers of Jools Holland will be familiar with his Squeeze co-founder, sometimes songwriting and touring partner, Chris Difford. As well as his work with Glen Tilbrook in Squeeze, he’s written with Elton John, Paul Carrack, Lisa Stansfield, Bryan Ferry, Helen Shapiro, Elvis Costello and, of course, Jools Holland, who describes him as ‘the John Lennon of London, the John Betjeman of Blackheath and the Alain Delon of Deptford’.

Previous special guests who have performed with Jools on his UK tours include the likes of Eddi Reader, Joss Stone, Roland Gift, Melanie C and Marc Almond.

Jools is currently recording his next album which will focus on his piano stylings, some duets and collaborations with other top artists. Produced by Nitin Sawhney, the album will be released later in 2021.

With a fire to bring his touring back to fans and a tremendous collection of tunes and his styling of ska boogie woogie and blues, this UK tour promises to be an extraordinary and unforgettable 25^th year celebration and a night out that will have audiences on their feet!

Tickets are on sale now. Tickets are priced from £29.50 (+ booking fee), except the Royal Albert Hall concerts with tickets priced from £19.75 (+ booking fee) upwards. All tickets for the pandemic postponed October to December 2020 tour, will be valid for their respective dates in 2021.

FULL AUTUMN/WINTER UK TOUR 2021 DATES