Barbara Dickson coming to The Apex later this month

Barbara Dickson (pictured above) will be coming to The Apex, in Bury St Edmunds, later this month, with her pianist Nick Holland, to perform a range of material drawing on her folk roots, contemporary greats and some classic hits.

Before her mainstream chart success, with hits like “Another Suitcase in Another Hall”, “Caravan” and the million-selling number one single “I Know Him So Well”, Barbara paid her dues in the burgeoning folk scene of the late 1960’s, working with the likes of Billy Connolly and Gerry Rafferty.

She says: “I would say that traditional music of the British Isles is my passion. I always remember the songs that I first learned of that genre.”

Her first hit single, “Answer Me”, was released early in 1976 and a guest residency on the BBC’s “The Two Ronnies” show helped lead to a string of hit songs.

Barbara readily admits that she would have been happy to continue her life as a travelling folk musician, but a meeting with an old friend was to change the course of her career completely.

“My friend, Willy Russell, who wrote Blood Brothers, asked me to take part in the show as he wanted to hear me sing those songs. So I took the plunge,” she said.

Along with the original Mrs Johnstone in Willy Russell’s long-running musical, Barbara also played Viv Nicholson in “Spend Spend Spend” – both shows won her an Olivier award for Best Actress.

2020 saw the release of her 25th studio album “Time Is Going Faster”, which included brand new songs written by Barbara.

“I’ve never really seen myself as a serious songwriter. I always think of myself as a storyteller but it’s marvellous to tap into that side of my ability in the last few years. I already have some songs for the ‘new’ album, yet to be recorded,” she said.

Nick Holland joined Barbara’s touring band in the mid 2000’s. For their duo shows, Barbara plays guitar and piano, with Nick on keyboards and adding harmonies to Barbara’s vocals.

Asked if she has a favourite song to perform live, she said” “Probably ‘Across the Universe’ by The Beatles, but my ‘hits’ are always bringing joy to the audience and so I love to play them as well. Singing is not about technique, but what is in your heart. That is the secret”.

 Barbara Dickson performs at The Apex on Tuesday, June 27. See www.theapex.co.uk or ring 01284 758000 for more details and to book tickets.