The O2

The Great American Soulbook featuring Gary US Bonds, plus very special guest Ben E. King comes to indigO2 on Sunday 20th February 2011!

Ben E. King is one of the defining soul singers of all-time.  From his early days as the lead singer of The Drifters, through to his solo work, Ben E. King has provided the musical soundtrack to the lives of literally millions and millions of people throughout the world. His many many hits include, ‘Spanish Harlem’, ‘Save The Last Dance For Me’, ‘Don’t Play That Song’, ‘I Who Have Nothing’, ‘Don’t Take Your Love From Me’, and of course the legendary, multi million selling, genre defining,  ‘Stand By Me’. Ben is delighted to be teaming up with his good friend Gary U.S. Bonds, for what promises to be a real humdinger of a show! 

There aren’t many people who are cited as the major influence as Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi and Little Steven. In fact there is only one performer who inspired these modern greats – Gary U.S Bonds. 

Gary was out of the blocks fast, with his very first 2 releases going straight to the top of charts. “New Orleans” and “Quarter To Three” are still massive floor fillers nearly 50 years after they were first heard by music fans all the world. Following 6 sold out shows in London in the Summer of 2007, in 2009 Gary was invited by Rolling Stones legend Bill Wyman to come and perform some U.K dates as Special Guest with The Rhythm Kings, and following rave reviews from the British press, Gary promised he’d be back to sing for UK soul fans and true to his word – here he is! Gary will be sharing the stage with his good friend Ben E. King to deliver an evening celebrating the greatest songs which make up ‘The Great American Soulbook’. 

The show will feature not just Gary and Ben E’s hits, but also the hits of their contemporaries and friends, who helped make up one of the greatest periods of twentieth century music. You will hear two of the greatest singers of all time sing some of the greatest songs ever written: In The Midnight Hour, Respect, Higher And Higher, Rescue Me, Soul Man, Sweet Soul Music, Try A Little Tenderness, Knock On Wood, Mustang Sally, Under The Boardwalk, Quarter To Three, Stand By Me, New Orleans, Midnight Train To Georgia, Let’s Stay Together, When A Man Loves A Woman, Sittin On The Dock Of A Bay, Hold On I’m Coming and many more.