ONE of the country’s biggest musical stars will be returning to The Hexagon this autumn, complete with two special guests.
Jools Holland and His Rhythm and Blues Orchestra have been entertaining Reading audiences on an annual basis, and this year he will once again visit as part of a 30-date tour that also includes The Royal Albert Hall, Manchester O2 Apollo, and Birmingham Symphony Hall.
Joining him will be Marc Almond from Soft Cell, and 19-year-old blues guitarist Toby Lee.
Marc has sold more than 30 million records worldwide with his list of hit songs including Say Hello, Wave Goodbye, Something’s Gotten Hold Of My Heart and Tainted Love. It is not the first time that Jools and Marc have previously teamed up – they toured together in 2018.
And Toby is described as a supreme talent and a prodigy, while Joe Bonamassa says he is “a future superstar of the blues”.
He first came to public attention when he was 10 and posted a get-well-soon jam for BB King which went viral with 5 million views in a week.
Since then, he has gone on to perform in West End productions, winning Olivier and UK Blues Awards and showcasing his skills on TV and live performances around the world.
Also appearing will be Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall and Sumudu Jayatilaka.
Together with the skilful musicianship of the Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, which features drums from original Squeeze member Gilson Lavis, Jools Holland will be performing tracks spanning his entire solo career.
Jools says: “I’m delighted to announce a truly remarkable mix of guest artists on this year’s winter tour, from the boogie-woogie queen of our orchestra, Ruby Turner, to the songmanship of Marc Almond.
“I’m also proud to introduce the new dazzling voice and guitar of British blues, the extraordinary 19-year-old Toby Lee.
“Louise Marshall and Sumudu Jayatilaka will be illuminating brilliant songs old and new. All backed by the unique sound of my Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, the big band that will treat us to mega talented soloists and frenzy-inducing rhythms.
“Please come and join us, I look forward to seeing you.”
The Reading date is Sunday, November 10, and tickets, costing £37.50 or £52, are now on sale.
For more details, or to book, log on to: whatsonreading.comor call the box office on: 0118 960 6060.
