From France to Wolverhampton - Phil Collins tribute to take to stage

And Finally...Phil Collins took to the stage in three venues across France last month (APRIL).

The first performance took place at La Cigale in Paris, whilst a further show was held at Saulieu after the band was endorsed by the family of celebrity chef, Bernard Loiseau. The final show was held at the popular Expo venue in Auxxerre.

They are now looking forward to going back to their roots at a gig at Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre next month (JUNE).

The band are to take to the stage at the Lichfield Street theatre on June 16 from 7.30pm. They will be joined by the choir of St Peter's Collegiate church who will be fully robed for two well-known Phil Collins numbers.

The band’s four local members are drummer and producer Tim Harper, trumpet player Jon Peacock, who is a music teacher at St Peter’s Collegiate School and also the band’s trumpet player, bass player Dave Phillips and the bass guitarist, as well as front man Chris Hayward.

Teacher Mr Peacock taught the acting director of music of St Peter's Collegiate Church, Harry Castle. Mr Castle said: "There are18 choristers taking part in the performance and they are so excited to take part. I think they're all looking forward to performing in the first half and then watching the second half. It's a bit nerve-wracking for both me and them though, performing with Mr Peacock!"

Tim Harper, aged 63, of Merry Hill who started the band back in 2007, said: "Ten years of celebrating the work of Phil has been an amazing experience for us all and this year has already had so many exciting moments with packed houses up and down the UK and the success of taking this truly remarkable show to France."

The news comes as last year, the band was named Phil Collins’ number one tribute band in the UK at the National Tribute Awards 2016. The band had previously tried for many years to break into the French music scene.

Mr Harper continued: "It has to be said that our return to Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre will be one of the defining moments if this year's special tour. "It's an honour to be asked back and it's looking like a sell out already. It's been tough to keep this show growing as it needs to but I'm convinced as long as we keep improving and developing it will continue to be recognised as the best portrayal of Phil's work in UK."

Dave Phillips, aged 33, is the musical director, bass player and backing vocalist for the band. He said: "Taking the show to France this year was a challenging, but extremely rewarding experience. To play at the La Cigale in Paris is something none of us will ever forget, although for me personally it will never beat the experience of playing at my home town theatre, The Grand. There has always been something special about it. Since the first time I went there as a three-year-old to watch a Christmas Panto, I was in awe of the place. "Throughout my career, I have been very fortunate to play music all over the world but you can never beat playing at home."

The band’s European promotions manager Jamie Atkins, who also runs the Great Western Pub, Sun Street, Wolverhampton, managed to secure the series of gigs for the band in France after a chance meeting with them in the pub last year.

Mr Atkins was once a successful DJ in the 1970s and known as Richie Garrett, he toured as far afield as Ålesund, Norway. He took on the role of European promoter for the band after they visit the pub following its previous performance at The Grand. Both he and Mr Harper had same agent in Wolverhampton in the 1970s, performing at the Club Lafayette.

Mr Atkins said: "What a whirlwind it has been. From that chance encounter it has seen the band perform to packed out venues and entertain the crowds in venues we never thought possible.

"It is only through the hard work and dedication of the band that they have done so well and I'm delighted about the warm reception they've received. I know they are looking forward to coming home to The Grand and I can't wait to see them back in their old stomping ground."

Tickets for the show cost from £17.50 to £24.50 plus a £3 booking fee.

For more information, visit www.grandtheatre.co.uk/whats-on/concerts/and-finally-phil-collins or call the box office on 01902 429 212.