October 26th 2024.
There's no doubt that Tony Blackburn is a household name, especially for those who were around during the 60s. The first ever winner of I'm A Celebrity... is now 81 years old and still going strong. He's taking his popular show, Sounds Of The 60s, on the road in a live extravaganza that features musicians, singers, and of course, Blackburn's trademark wit.
In a recent interview, Tony shared his predictions on which pop records will stand the test of time. But before we get into that, let's talk about his upcoming tour. Fans are excited to see him perform live, but some may be wondering if it's all groupies, late nights, and wild backstage riders. Tony is quick to dispel any misconceptions, stating that his audience is now slightly older and there are no groupies in sight. Instead, he's happy to take selfies with fans and put on a show that caters to an older audience, typically 45 and over.
So, what can we expect from the show? Tony explains that there will be a seven-piece band, a couple of talented singers, and a trip down memory lane as they start in the early 60s and work their way through a hundred hits in medleys. And it seems like fans are loving it, as they've been selling out shows all over the country. In fact, they sold 15,000 tickets in just one week! And the best part? They're more affordable than tickets to an Oasis concert.
But don't expect Tony to just stand on stage and play records. He's there to entertain and engage with the audience, sharing stories about pirate radio, Radio 1, and even cracking a few jokes. And yes, he does sing "Summer Holiday," but it took him four years to learn all the lyrics!
As someone who was there at the birth of pop music in the UK, Tony has a unique perspective on the industry. He was one of the disc jockeys on Radio Caroline, which launched 60 years ago in 1964. Living on a ship and sailing under the Panamanian flag, they were able to avoid interference from authorities. And Tony was responsible for bringing Motown to the UK, hosting the very first soul program and touring with the likes of Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Jackie Wilson, and Luther Vandross.
But even with such an impressive resume, Tony remains humble and open-minded when it comes to contemporary music. He confesses that he loves the new record from Alicia Keys and regularly listens to all the latest releases for his show, The Golden Hour, on Radio 2. He also takes pride in being one of the few DJs in the country who has the freedom to choose his own music.
When asked about which modern songs will stand the test of time, Tony mentions ABBA and Madonna as sure bets, with "Dancing Queen" being a timeless hit. But he also believes that a lot of modern music is overproduced and lacks the depth and longevity of older songs. He points out that you can't even hear the lyrics in some songs due to the excessive production.
Tony is often referred to as a national treasure, but he brushes off the title and jokes that treasure should be buried. Back in the 60s, he was like a pop star himself, mobbed by fans wherever he went. With millions of people tuning in to his shows on Radio 1 and Top of the Pops, it was an exhilarating time for him. But he admits that it could also be overwhelming and even scary at times.
In fact, Tony was the first famous person to have his private life exposed to the world. Looking back, he realizes that he may have shared too much on the radio, particularly during his divorce. But he's learned from his mistakes and wouldn't do it again, although he admits that some listeners did enjoy hearing about his personal life.
As for reality TV, Tony may have won the first season of I'm A Celebrity, but he has no plans to try his luck on Strictly Come Dancing. He confesses that he has no rhythm and even his wife gave up trying to teach him how to dance. But he's not planning on retiring anytime soon, as long as Sounds Of The 60s remains the number one show on Radio 2.
And despite his busy schedule, Tony manages to stay in great shape. When asked about his secret, he admits that he's just lucky and doesn't do much exercise. In fact, his father, who was a doctor, warned him about exercising too much. So instead, he prefers to take leisurely walks and relax in front of the TV with a cup of tea.
Fans can catch Tony Blackburn's Sounds Of The 60s Live Tour in 2025, beginning in March and running throughout the year. And if you see him on the street, don't be afraid to say hello and maybe even ask for a selfie – he's always happy to chat with fans.
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