Tony Christie to reimagine hits at ‘Farewell to Amarillo’ Mayo concert
A SPECIAL night of nostalgia, warmth and entertainment awaits attendees of the Tony Christie ‘Farewell to Amarillo’ concert at the Town Hall Theatre, Claremorris, on Friday, November 21.
Tony, whose birth surname is Fitzgerald, gladly returns to the land of his forefathers, as his grandfather Martin Thomas was born near and lived in Claremorris before emigrating to Yorkshire.
With his regular band members, Tony’s Irish tour, which is part of a wider European series of concerts, willingly offered the Claremorris performance as a dedicated fundraiser for the new Claremorris Community Sports and Recreational Centre project.
Ticketholders are set for a truly enjoyable night of music, song and storytelling as Tony recites all of his big hits, as well as a number of new recordings from his latest album, A New Life, cut in Nashville, and features his hits, such as '(Is This The Way To) Amarillo', 'I Did What I Did For Maria' and 'Avenues & Alleyways', re-imagined with a new country style.
The two hour show will also include a selection of tunes from his first collection of Irish songs titled The Great Irish Songbook, released in 2015 in collaboration with the band Ranagri. The second edition is being worked on in studio at the moment, before Tony and family head to South Africa for a number of appearances there.
A New Life follows the release of 2024’s We Still Shine, Christie’s first new album in 12 years.
Tony said at its launch: “We set out to completely restructure and rearrange what are essentially great songs to begin with. We gave the musicians free rein to have fun and come up with something fresh. Some of the songs have been completely turned on their heads. I hope you enjoy listening to this album as much as we did recording it.”
Speaking in appreciation on the return of Tony and family to Claremorris, Jarlath Sweeney, co-chair, Claremorris Community Sports and Recreational Centre, said: “We are delighted to welcome back Tony to perform in Claremorris, which we know is close to his heart, and perform a unique concert as part of our fundraising for this new major project.
“We know that this will be more than just a concert, it’s a celebration of over 50 years of music, memories and moments that defined generations, and it’s his only show outside of Dublin. We also look forward to his many fans coming to Claremorris for the weekend.”
Last March, Tony began his The Great Farewell tour across the UK and Europe. The Claremorris date is the only performance outside his Dublin gigs and offers a unique ‘meet and greet’ opportunity.
Ticket prices are from €45 (standard) to €100 (premium), plus booking fees, with doors open from 7 p.m. and the concert starting at 8 p.m.
Premium ticket purchasers will enjoy a VIP package, including a special ‘meet and greet’ session with Tony after the Friday night show, front row seats at the concert, as well as a special gift bag with signed memorabilia. Tony and family members look forward to meeting each premium ticket holder - his ultimate fans.
Tickets are on sale at www.townhall.ie.
Special ‘Farewell Concert’ weekend accommodation offers are available at the McWilliam Park Hotel. Please contact directly on (094) 9378000.