THE OVERTONES

The Lowry, Salford Quays

WITH their silky-smooth vocals, perfectly timed dance routines and charming smiles, it’s not obvious that The Overtones have endured a tough few years.

But it’s Christmas which means the group are back out on the road for their annual funfest, calling in at The Lowry, Salford Quays, on Sunday evening.

The male vocal harmony group started as a five-piece back in 2010, going on to sell a million albums of covers and original songs blending vintage and modern styles.

You may not see The Overtones on television every week or hear their tunes played on the radio but they have a legion of dedicated and loyal fans.

In April 2018, fans and the band alike were left stunned and devestated when popular member Timmy Matley tragically died after falling from a balcony, aged just 36.

The group returned to the stage last year as a four-piece but Lockie Chapman made the ‘difficult decision’ to perform with The Overtones for the final time in May.

And while his stage presence and deep bass voice were missed – especially during Why Do Fools Fall in Love – new member Jay James appears to have slotted into the group with ease.

Fans of The X Factor may remember him from the 2014 series, when he made it to the live finals.

Mark Franks, who grew up in Sale, was clearly delighted to back on home turf and performing in front of family and friends.

Along with Mike Crawshaw and Darren Everest, the foursome joked, quipped and delighted fans throughout the two-hour show.

The Bolton News:

The boys open the show with Christmas (Baby Please Come Home), the first track from their recently released festive EP.

Moving on to classic covers including You To Me Are Everything, Pretty Woman and Teardrops, the audience sang along to the favourites. 

The boys looked slick and suave, as always, and the stage sparkled – although I thinking it was lacking some festive décor.

The party was momentarily halted as the group reflected on recent months and told the crowd: “We don’t take this for granted and we appreciate you all, sticking together like brothers do. We wanted to continue because we understand we have got a job to make people forget about their worries and their stresses and giving them a good night. For the hour and a half you’re here, we want you to laugh, smile, sing and dance.”

A stunning version of Christmas classic Walking in the Air dazzled the crowd before most of the packed auditorium was up on its feet for the finale, the sounds of Kool & The Gang’s Celebration bringing the fantastic night to a close.

Fans were treated to not one, but two, fantastic support acts earlier in the evening – first up was Ramzi, followed by Ben McKelvey.

Next year, The Overtones will be celebrating 10 years and promise two tours to mark the occasion. Perhaps a summer outing could be on the cards? See you there!