Smokie in Concert

7:30pm

Look at the Guinness Book Of Hit Singles and you could be forgiven for thinking Smokie’s success story was a 1970s phenomenon. After all, 11 of their 14 British hits came in that eventful musical decade. However, their massive success story has continued to flourish around the globe including Scandinavia, South Africa, Germany and even China. Smokie are a band which has sold out tours and gained platinum records in four decades – 70s, 80s, 90s and the present day.

A quick recap then on past glories. Smokie first got together at school in Yorkshire in the late 60s. After going through various names and styles, they signed with Mickie Most’s then ultra-hot RAK label and found themselves chartbound. Songs like ‘If You Think You Know How To Love Me’, ‘Don’t Play Your Rock’n’Roll To Me’, ‘It’s Your Life’ and ‘Oh Carol’ (all Top 10 entries) became radio staples and gave Smokie their ticket to travel the world.

The sound was a combination of hook-laden songs and Smokie’s distinctive but unashamedly Stateside-influenced soft-rock harmonies, their secret being their vocal blend – a rasping, emotion-drenched lead set against melodic harmonies that produces an unique, bittersweet result.

After accumulating worldwide sales of over 30 million, Smokie made ‘Wild Horses’, a 1997 Nashville-recorded album that cost the band a quarter of a million pounds to produce. It gave them a foothold in US country radio, while hits collections continue to find a ready market. That trend continued with ‘Uncovered’ and ‘Uncovered Too’, which were both huge hits throughout Scandinavia – reaching the top 5 in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden – achieving double platinum status.

Smokie continue to be one of the most successful bands in the world today. Recent global events, as well as more devastating news with the passing of Terry Uttley have seen the line-up of today having to change and develop with the addition of Pete Lincoln, formerly of The Sweet on lead vocals, and Rhythm Guitar and Luke Bullard, son of Martin Bullard stepping into Terry’s shoes on Bass and backing vocals, the legacy of Smokie that was founded by Terry will live on and Smokie look forward to seeing you all on their continuing journey.

Smokies line-up are:- Steve Pinnell on Drums, Mick McConnell on lead guitar and Backing vocal, Pete Lincoln Lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Martin Bullard Keyboards, Luke Bullard on Bass guitar and backing vocals

There’s no smoke without fire, so the saying goes – and Smokie are still firing on all five cylinders!

Accessibility Information:

Wheelchair access

Following recent improvements to the stalls seating area, we now offer easier access and better viewing locations for wheelchair users. So you can be assured of a comfortable and enjoyable experience, we have level access to the stalls from Commercial Street and provide two accessible toilets on the stalls level.

Hearing Impaired

The Victoria Theatre has an induction loop for hearing aid users in the auditorium and Box Office.
Additionally the Victoria Theatre now offers an infra-red audio system allowing customers in the Stalls and The Circle and to individually adjust the volume of the performance.

Visual Impairments

We now offer versions of our seasonal brochure in large print. Please contact the box office to request copies to be sent to you.
Guide dogs are welcome and we will be pleased to provide a bowl of water on request.

Complimentary tickets
We are pleased to offer a complimentary ticket to essential carers of people with additional needs. Please contact the Box Office for details on 01422 351158