The Christians - 3rd September 2011 Plus Support Act - Manx Singer/Songwriter CLARA BARKER Date: Saturday, September 3rd, 2011 Venue: Villa Marina Promenade Suite, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2HJ Time: Doors 19.45 · Start: 20.30 / Price: ?19.50 (Admission By Ticket Only) Box Office: Tickets can be bought and printed off online at www.rspromotickets.co.uk or www.villagaiety.com or from The Villa Marina Reception Desk or by phoning the Ticket Hotline on 01624 600555 The Christians formed in 1986 in Liverpool and became one of the UK's biggest soul bands with hits like 'Ideal World' and 'Harvest for the World'. A unique blend of soul, gospel and heartfelt acoustic pop, topped off by Garry Christian's distinctive vocals. The name THE CHRISTIANS refers to the brother's surname (the original line up included Roger, Russell and Garry Christian as well as Henry Priestman) Outstanding, conscientious soul band THE CHRISTIANS songs were laden with messages and morals but, crucially, without preaching. Described as adult band making music for adul...ts capable of reaching adult decisions, and as such, were a splendid listen and phenomenally talented but nowhere near as commercially successful as their tunes merited. First single "Forgotten Town" made the charts and two more similarly enjoyable and discerning hits later, and the stunning "Ideal World" ("where we're free to choose") put them in the Top 20 for the first time in '88. Perhaps it was those tasteful people's determination to show the nation that we were not all Brosettes (or the male equivalent, er...Brosees?) which finally allowed the Christians to hit the Top 10 later that year with an amazing cover of the Isley Brothers "Harvest For The World", focal point Garry Christian, in possession of as rich and digestible a voice of anyone in the decade, added lyrics to the trad.arr muzac of "Words" ("if I could find words to tell you I'm sorry, and make you understand I mean just what I say") to end the 80s on a typically high, yet paradoxically sombre note, helping the purists by putting all the lyrics on the single's sleeve. They had also contributed to that year's reworking of Gerry Marsdens song "Ferry Cross The Mersey" to raise cash for the families of Hillsborough victims. The '90s saw their breathtakingly soulful "What's In A Word" followed by a wonderful cover of Gil Scott Heron's story of a street wino "The Bottle". By 2001 The Christians began to write songs for Prodigal Sons, which was released in 2003. This was supported by a UK tour in October 2003, and further promotion in France, Spain and UK throughout 2004. In 2005 Russell Christian decided he no longer wished to tour, and a decision was made to return to a full band format, rather than the four-man “unplugged” line-up that had been touring since 1999. This new 'band' comprising Garry Christian ([lead vocals), Joey Ankrah (acoustic guitar/backing vocals), Stewart Boyle (electric guitar), Cliff Watson (bass guitar), and Lionel Duke (drums) was unveiled on the 2009tour. In 2009 Garry was approached by Archambault Records in France to arrange a Licensing Deal. This was agreed and 'Soul from Liverpool' was released with a single 'Overwhelmed'. The band continue to tour and are finalising a new album deal with Island which will include back catalogue and new tracks. Their current single (released on download on March 5, 2010) is a cover of Cat Stevens/Yusuf Islams 'Where do the Children Play' reviewed by the man himself as 'better than his own version'. During their rise to fame the Liverpool based band developed a reputation for being 'socially aware' and unsurprisingly comparisons were drawn to THE TEMPTATIONS due to the depth and range of the brother's magical vocal harmonies. As popularity grew with THE CHRISTIANS celebrating hit after hit and packing out venues like Wembley. Fast forward a few years/decades to 2011 and THE CHRISTIANS are still enjoying their everlasting success, embarking on a UK tour along with Concerts in The Isle of Man, Spain and Mallorca. The relatively new band line up includes Neil Griffiths, Joey Ankrah, Lionel Duke and Cliff Watson. The vibe is relaxed ... unplugged and acoustic but the voice is still incredible as is the sultry smile behind Garry's Raybans! www.thechristianslive.com ENDS