Barry Steele sings the hits of Roy Orbison in Chesterfield

Classics such as Only the Lonely, Pretty Woman, In Dreams, Crying and It’s Over will be sung by Barry Steele at the Winding Wheel, Chesterfield, on September 18, 2021.

Barry will also be performing chart-busting hits originally made famous by Jerry Lee Lewis, Procol Harum, Del Shannon, ELO, Tom Petty, Chris Isaak and The Spencer Davis Group.

He is joined on stage by guest pianist Boogie Williams as they present original material written but never sung by Roy Orbison and showcase elements of the symphonic orchestration first heard on the Hologram tour.

Barry, who made his West End debut last year, said: “Orbison’s songs not only have wonderful melodies and tunes, the lyrics are some of the most sublime ever written. Not only does the music take you back in time, the songs can make you happy, sad and emotive all at the same time. Orbison is known as a balladeer, but he also recorded and performed rocky and contemporary songs. His songs are quite simply timeless.

"I am backed in this all live multi-media show, with not only a fabulous band and musicians, but a big screen featuring both live streaming, and images from the life and times of Roy Orbison, interspersed with factoids and information about the life and times of what is considered to be one of the best singers the world has ever known.

"I am so proud of our show; it has been a family achievement. We were told by so many promoters it would not work. So my wife said, ‘We don’t need them, we will do it ourselves’. Everything you see has been achieved by our family. Not a single promoter has had any input at all.”

A family holiday in Cornwall in 2001 changed the life of ex-serviceman Barry. His wife Lynne and daughter Leonie entered him into a singing competition without his knowledge. Barry said: “It was there that a fellow competitor said to me, “You know you sound just like Roy Orbison singing Robbie Williams!” so with the help of family and friends a tribute to The Big ‘O’ was born.

"The person that has inspired me the most was my uncle and namesake, another Barry Steele, who was on the circuit in the 60s and 70s. He had and still has the most amazing voice, on par with Harry Secombe!

"Before my musical career took off, I was a qualified HGV and tanker driver, I was also in the RAF. I have refuelled Vulcans and The Red Arrows, and also worked for many years for ASDA as one of their drivers.

"The best advice that I had was from my uncle Laurie, who told me to persevere with my basic training for the RAF, as I was ready to quit many times. He told me to stick it out!”

Tickets cost £28 for Barry Steele & Friends – The Roy Orbison Story. Go to www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk or call 01246 345222.

READ THIS: Jools Holland reschedules Sheffield show.