Joe Longthorne

There are certain moments and events in life which remain in the treasure trove of our minds to be looked back on as the years pass by. One such moment is for sure Joe’s concert at The London Palladium this Sunday gone 31st May 2015.

On Sunday, social media had been awash with posts from Joe’s fans country and worldwide all heading to the same place, the world’s most famous theatre, a mecca for variety and entertainment The London Palladium. Fans and friends descending on the capital city to enjoy one of the landmark concerts in Joe’s life and pay tribute and true respect to a man who rose from humble beginnings to the heights of the show business ladder and remains today one of the UK’s greatest ever ‘LIVE’ entertainers.

The show opened with Ricky Tomlinson compering and introducing a highly talented group from Liverpool,‘UkeBox’ who were followed by West End Star Darren Day and comedian Johnnie Casson. A short interval followed, the second half opening with a guest appearance from Joe’s special friend Mr Jimmy Tarbuck with some great words about Joe, great to see Jimmy and the audience gave him a very warm welcome.

So, it was ‘curtain up’ and with the orchestra striking up on came Joe to be greeted with a huge roaring round of cheers and unending applause from the audience. Everyone on their feet to welcome this very celebrated and special gentleman to the stage, ‘his stage’. Joe dressed elegantly in black suit, crisp white shirt and black tie just beamed and stood immersing himself in a tidal wave of love and warmth which flowed towards him from the auditorium for some few moments, acknowledging everyone before going to the microphone.

The next hour and a half was a glittering master class in performance and excellence, Joe gave everything he had with a set list of his finest songs and tributes as he calls them, from Dame Shirley Bassey to Frank Sinatra, he never put a foot wrong all evening and gave his audience one of the finest performances of his career for sure. With Don Black and his family in the stalls Joe closed the show with Don’s song ‘If I Never Sing Another Song’ , the lyrics delivered as only Joe can, the crowd went wild at the end, as Joe reached the last notes, one almost felt the theatre elevating up into the West End sky with everyone on their feet cheering and applauding for this one special and distinguished man. Never was the saying ‘There’s Nothing Like A Joe Show’ more appropriate.

Notes of special thanks are extended to Mr Jimmy Tarbuck OBE, Ricky Tomlinson, Darren Day and Johnnie Casson. Thanks are also extended to MD Stephen Price and the orchestra and singers.Also Joe’s backstage crew who all came together for the show.

Joe Longthorne

Joe arriving for the show in the afternoon

The Palladium lights up for Joe

Joe's new autobiography..