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MOTOWN legend Smokey Robinson has announced his first UK shows in a DECADE - with tickets going on sale this week.
Smokey, 84, is going on the road for The Legacy Tour, a four-date celebration in July 2025, marking the 50th anniversary of his breakthrough 1975 album, A Quiet Storm.
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With tickets on sale from Friday 6th December at 10am, the icon will take to the stage as Glasgow's SEC Armadillo, Birmingham's Utilita Arena, Cardiff's Utilita Arena and London's Eventim Apollo.
Smokey said, “I always love performing in the UK, it has been too long. These special shows mark the 50th anniversary of A Quiet Storm, an album that is truly special to me.
"So whilst I want to honour that record, and those amazing times, this will also be a celebration of everything that has come before and we will be performing all the hits.
"It’s been over 10 years and I cannot wait to return in July 2025 and entertain all my UK fans”.
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It comes nine months after Smokey told The Sun he'd been in talks with Glastonbury bosses to headline next year's festival.
While they didn't come to fruition in the end, the record producer told Bizarre’s Howell Davies: “We’ve been talking about that for the past two weeks — probably soon.”
Pushed on whether an appearance at Glastonbury could be on the cards, he continued: “That’s one of the things we’ve been talking about.”
Smokey added at Elton John's Oscars party in Los Angeles: “I love the UK, man. We’ve had some of our greatest times in the UK.”
Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Smokey founded The Miracles while still in high school.
The group became Berry Gordy’s first vocal ensemble and played a pivotal role in Motown Records' creation, which Smokey suggested Berry establish.
Smokey Robinson Cameo video wishing woman ‘happy hanukkah’ goes horribly wrong with hilarious mispronunciation
Their single Shop Around, written by Smokey , was Motown’s first number one hit on the R&B singles chart.
Over the following years, he continued to craft hits for The Miracles, including classics like You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me, Ooo Baby Baby, The Tracks of My Tears, Going to a Go-Go, More Love, Tears of a Clown and I Second That Emotion.
The Miracles dominated the R&B scene throughout the 1960s and into the early 1970s.
Meanwhile, Smokey became Vice President of Motown Records, contributing as an in-house producer, talent scout, and songwriter.
Beyond his work with The Miracles, he wrote and produced hits for other Motown legends, such as The Temptations, Mary Wells, Brenda Holloway, and Marvin Gaye.
His songwriting achievements during this period include iconic tracks like The Way You Do the Things You Do, My Girl, Get Ready, You Beat Me to the Punch, Don’t Mess with Bill, Ain’t That Peculiar and My Guy.
In 1975, Smokey launched his solo career with A Quiet Storm, which solidified his status as a superstar, master songwriter, and producer.
The album produced three hit singles and was so influential that its title became synonymous with a genre of smooth, romantic radio programming reflective of Robinson’s unparalleled artistry.
Smokey's career is nothing short of legendary.
He holds two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame - one for his solo work and another for his contributions with The Miracles.
A member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters' Hall of Fame, Robinson has also earned numerous accolades.
These include the GRAMMY Living Legend Award, the NARAS Lifetime Achievement Award, an Honorary Doctorate from Howard University, Kennedy Center Honors, and the National Medal of Arts from the President of the United States.
With a career spanning over six decades, Smokey has written more than 4,000 songs and continues to captivate sold-out audiences worldwide with his distinctive high tenor voice, impeccable timing, and unmatched lyricism.
His upcoming UK shows celebrating A Quiet Storm honour a defining moment in an extraordinary career, offering fans the chance to share in a legacy of timeless music and unforgettable artistry.
- Tickets will go on sale on Friday 6th December 2024 at 10am from aegpresents.co.uk, axs.com, ticketmaster.co.uk.
SMOKEY ROBINSON: A LEGENDARY CAREER
SMOKEY Robinson, born on February 19, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan, is widely celebrated as the King of Motown.
His musical journey began as the lead singer and songwriter for The Miracles, a group he co-founded in 1955.
Over nearly two decades with the group, Smokey wrote and performed some of their most beloved songs, including Tears of a Clown, Tracks of My Tears, and Cruisin.
In addition to his success with The Miracles, Smokey was a key songwriter for Motown Records, contributing to the success of countless artists.
He wrote some of the most iconic tracks in music history, including My Girl for The Temptations, and played a major role in shaping the Motown sound that dominated the 1960s and 70s.
After leaving The Miracles in 1972, Smokey embarked on a successful solo career that saw him releasing hits throughout the 70s and 80s.
His smooth voice, heartfelt lyrics, and timeless melodies solidified his reputation as one of the greatest artists of all time.
Over the years, he has received numerous accolades, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of his immense contribution to music and culture.
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English (US) ·