Concert review: Tony Christie at Birmingham Town Hall

Tony Christie

Birmingham Town Hall

Tony Christie wowed hundreds of fans at Birmingham Town Hall with a faultless performance.

The Sheffield-born showman, best known for Is This The Way to Amarillo, showed his pedigree and fantastic vocal range throughout.

After a rousing start, Christie, who lives in Lichfield, impressed with the number Nobody in the World.

After selling 10 million albums worldwide and even receiving the freedom of Amarillo, Texas, he may have been forgiven for a more aloof stage presence.

But the down-to-earth star interspersed his show with anecdotes about the origin of songs and a liberal sprinkle of comedy to boot.

He quipped he would give fans a dose of new tracks, just enough to get them hooked – but he also delivered plenty of old favourites. Highlights included Walk Like A Panther, written by Pulp's Jarvis Cocker, and a stripped-down cover of Louise by Human League.

For his finale, the inevitable crescendo of Is This The Way To Amarillo had the fans on their feet.

By Alex Homer