Post by tempfan on Aug 10, 2007 11:52:39 GMT -5
Magic of Motown Coming to UK
The Bolton News
TWO of the greatest Motown bands are coming to the UK in the autumn for a fantastic double-bill show. The Temptations and The Four Tops play the MEN Arena on November 10.
Formed in 1960, The Temptations brought us the hits like My Girl, Get Ready, Just My Imagination and I'm Gonna Make You Love Me. They are also headed by an original member - Otis Williams, who says the group regards Britain as their second home.
Williams said: "We love the UK because the fans are so fantastic. They are not only fans - they are like our family." Speaking from the US, Otis said that it was he who came up with the name of the band. "I liked its sound - a nice moniker for a band to appeal to the ladies."
After all this time, he still has the same passion for the music. "Oh yes, I still enjoy it. It's great to see the audiences faces light up when we start one of their favourite songs or go into our gyrations and choreography."
The audiences have changed, though, as Otis said. "They've got wiser. They know all the music and all the nuances of the songs. They know also when you're putting on a good show - which keeps artists on their toes."
Both bands promise a night of classic hits, timeless music and lots of memories. "The magic is that both bands are part of Motown history and were there when all the great songs were coming out," Otis said.
And Otis said that there was a new album on the way. "It'll be out in time for the tour. It's gonna be called Back To Front and is an album of cover tunes, like Minute By Minute that was originally by The Doobie Brothers, Never Never Gonna Give You Up by Barry White, plus songs by Wilson Pickett and Sting amongst others."
The Tops have been around since 1950 and are still fronted by founder member Abdul "Duke" Fakir and the group also contains the son of another original member, Lawrence Payton.
They have been responsible for great numbers like Reach Out (I'll Be There), Standing in the Shadows of Love and Loco in Acapulco to name but three.
Duke said: "The UK Tour is my favourite of the year. I can't wait to see all our friends and fans again."
