Matt Monro Jnr

[papabravo]

Got to see the show at St Albans' Arena on 5th October. An emotional evening I'm sure for Michele watching but more so for Matt Jnr, performing songs made famous by their Father. There were a couple of moments where he had to leave the stage just to gather himself it appeared, notably on a superb rendition of "Born Free". His version of "Walk Away" in the medley spot, was also quite haunting. It shows that, even after 20 years, you never can quite get over the loss of a loved one. It's possibly more difficult to do so when that loved one had such a following that felt he was more talented, down to Earth and approachable than the likes of Sinatra and keeps him in the spotlight supporting new releases of CDs and latterly, DVDs ( long overdue ). The highlight for me was "We're Gonna Change The World" in which both Matts were "reunited" on stage for the duet featured on the 'Matt Sings Monro" CD. The hairs on the back of my head stood up. It's my favourite song and Matt Jnr had stated earlier on that he hoped he'd perform one of each of the crowd's favourites at some point during the show. Thanks, Matt! And there were many memories told of life onstage and off. I was glad I could go to this show having been that little bit too young to see Matt Snr. My late Mother had seen him performing at a dance in Hornsey Town hall in 1959. I'd brought with me my Mum's best friend who's late Husband worked & socialised with Terry ( as he was then ) during their stint on the buses together out of Holloway. Years later, "Terry" was seen singing on the TV. It was then that they realised he had now become Matt Monro. There'd apparantly been no clue to this side of him at the time sitting drinking tea in the cafe opposite their bus garage. So it was a night of great memories for her as well. Matt Jnr obviously couldn't do every song his Father had made famous but many of them were there. There was a great personalised version of "My Way". Although he's his own singer with his own style, there were times when it was as if one of his Dad's records was playing . . . and that was with my eyes open! I cannot give him better praise than that. The band also deserve a special mention. They were excellent, particularly the brass section. It was only the second date of the tour. I'm sure it will just get better and better as they perform together more. I'd recommend anyone who hasn't got a ticket to get one. It's an extensive tour so should be within reach of most people. And no, I'm not on commission! Would like to see a full set list though if anyone made a note of it. Best of luck, Matt. Let's hope it's not a one off tour.

[Lena & Harry Smit]

We ourselves will be seeing Matt Jnr in concert very shortly Papabrave, and after reading your complimentary comments, it has increased and whetted our appetites all the more for this event.
We have already heard Matt Jnr on two different radio shows, one quite
recently on Eric Hall's show on radio essex, and after seeing Matt Jnr on the excellent DVD , superb in fact, "A Portrait Of..... his famous Dad, we are in no doubt of his own natural talent, portrayed in his own self assured style., and what a lovely easy going personality he has inherited too.
Can't wait to hear some of our favourite numbers again. It's a heavy and lengthy tour, and we wish him every success.

[Guest]

That show sounded great. Can't wait to see him in Newport on 11th November. I was actually lucky to get my tickets as they are almost sold out.

[mark]

Just read the comments about Matt Jnr, seems a very good show too see. Only problem being I moved away from North London to the far west of Cornwall. Can anyone let me know how I can get a list of concerts or can anyone tell me if there will be a concert local to me?


Cheers Mark

[karen]

agree with first person matt junior in concert is fantastic well worth the money. hope to see alot more of him i saw him at the beck theatre in hayes afterwards when he was doning signings afterwards he took time to talk to everbody

[Guest]

just read the comments about matt jnr seems a very good show too see only problem being i moved away from north london to the far west of cornwall can anyone let me know how i get a list of concerts or can anyone tell me if there will be a concert local too me


cheers mark

Matt Monro Junior Concerts:
Date Venue Box Office
October 05
Tue 4th Eastbourne Congress 01323 412000
Wed 5th St Albans Arena 01727 844488
Thu 6th Rhyl Pavillion 0870 330 0000
Fri 7th Clacton Princes Theatre 01255 422958
Tue 11th Bolton Albert Halls 01204 334400
Wed 12th Nottingham RCH 0115 989 5555
Fri 14th Hayes Beck Theatre 0870 606 3560
Sat 15th Billingham Forum 01642 552663
Sun 16th Bedworth Civic Hall 024 7637 6707
Tue 18th Northampton Deco 0870 888 8899
Wed 19th Scarborough Futurist Theatre
01723 374500
Thu 20th Sevenoaks Playhouse
01732 450175
Fri 21th Newcastle City Hall 0191 261 2606
Sat 22nd Hunstanton Princess Theatre 01485 532252
Mon 24th Skegness Embassy 01754 768333
Tue 25th Crewe Lyceum Theatre 01270 537333
Wed 26th Preston Charter Theatre 01772 258858
Thu 27th Bournemouth Pavilion 01202 456456
Fri 28th Worthing Pavilions 01903 206206
Sun 30th Cheltenham Town Hall 01242 227979
Mon 31st Swindon Wyvern 01793 524481

November 05
Wed 2nd Aylesbury Civic Centre 01296 486009
Thu 3rd 2:00pm Catford Broadway Theatre 020 8690 0002
Thu 3rd 8:00pm Croydon Fairfield Halls 020 8688 9291
Fri 4th Lowestoft Marina theatre 01502 573318
Sat 5th Felixstowe Spa Pavilion 0870 145 1151
Sun 6th Blackpool Grand 01253 290190
Tue 8th Dartford Orchard 01322 220000
Wed 9th Folkestone Leas Cliff Hall
0870 169 6827
Thu 10th Hastings White Rock 0870 145 1133
Fri 11th Newport Riverfront 01633 656757
Mon 14th Glasgow Pavilion 0141 332 1846
Tue 15th Bradford St George's Hall 01274 432000
Wed 16th Grimsby Auditorium 01472 311311
Fri 18th Ashton u Lyne Tammeside Hippodrome 0161 3083223
Sat 19th Chelmsford Civic 01245 606505
Sun 20th Weymouth Pavilion 01305 783225
Wed 23rd Weston Super Mare Playhouse 01934 645544
Thu 24th Milton Keynes The Stables 01908 280800
Fri 25th Doncaster Civic Theatre
01302 342349
Sat 26th High Wycombe The Swan 01494 512000

[paul and sue]

got to see matt jr at worthing on friday evening, what a fantastic show and what a lovely man, my wife and i were lucky enough to meet him before the show and afterwards went and had a drink with him, it was so wonderful to talk to him about the tour and his late great dad, thanks matt for a wonderful evening and best wishes for the rest of the tour keep in touch, paul and sue (worthing)

[Paul]

Not wishing to appear repetitive but, here goes, last night's show was another top class evening, both performers complementing each other & real credit(s) to those close to them, and terrific entertainment. Brilliant backing from the band too - first rate. It was a treat to see two guys giving their best particularly as this was their second performance of the day. Good luck for the rest of the tour.....any thoughts yet of an encore??

[Lena & Harry]

We also got to see Matt Jnr's concert at the Fairfields Hall Croyden last evening.
We had been looking forward to seeing this show, "Matt's tribute to his Dad " and to say that it lived up to our expectations would be an understatement.
From the moment the orchestra struck up the familiar Monro introductory chords, the memories came flooding back of a world class singer who brought joy to millions.
Matt Jnr gave a superb and polished performance singing in his own style beginning with "As long as I'm singing" and then talked of his beloved dad and his career and his music. We could feel the emotion and the pride in his voice. " Matt sang, Yesterday", "My kind Of Girl", "Around The World" all these songs bringing applause and appreciation from the audience, who were loving this show as much as us, but the songs that stirred the emotions for us, were "Portrait of My Love " "Walk Away" and this one specially "Born Free" for Matt too we thought.
Our greatest thrill was having the pleasure of meeting Michele and Matt, during the interval and after the show, talking to them, and having photo's taken with them.
Matt was signing autographs and talking at length to each and every one of the people and the same with Michele, even after an already lengthy travelling tour and an afternoon matinee in the afternoon. No rushing here.
This was not just an evening of nostalgic memories of the irreplaceable Matt Monro, but an evening of pride and gratitude and warmth from Matt's family members who have inherited his friendly easy going laid back
nature. It was a fantastic night THANK YOU.

[Glenn]

Just wanted to add my thanks for a wonderful evening at Lowestoft's Marina Theatre last night.

It was fantastic to see Matt Jnr share with us an emotional tribute to his dear father - and to hear so many of those beautiful songs once more....

I'd also like to thank Roy Leslie - a young guy with so much talent - heres hoping we see more of him in the future.

And of course, a special mention to Colin Keyes and his Orchestra.

The evening was made complete for me when I got to chat to Matt Jnr & Roy after the show. Such friendly, down-to-earth guys!

Thanks for a very special evening!

Glenn

#You’ll be amazed, so full of praise#

[TerenceLee]

I did a search on Roy Leslie but cannot find anything.
Michele, how about doing a feature on Roy for the benefit of fans overseas? He sounds like a talented guy.

[Hiran]

Huge thanks to Michele for taking a photo for me after the concert in Catford. (She even deleted one on her digital camera so she could help me. What a lovely gesture!). You can see it here http://www.HiranDeSilva.com

I'm so glad Matt Jnr interpreted his dad's songs in his own style. It was refreshing. Matt's tribute was so moving.

I was a huge fan of Matt Monro growing up in Ceylon in the 60s and I've been singing his songs ever since, (mosty) in the bath! In order to reach a wider audience (as my bathroom can only accomodate a few people! ... and by 'wider audience' I don't mean fat people! though fat people are particularly nice people) I recorded some songs as a tribute one rushed weekend in 2003. I hope it's ok to share them with you and doesn't break any rules!)
Softly As I Leave You
http://www.askhiran.com/music/experienc ... aveyou.wma
Portrait Of My Love
http://www.askhiran.com/music/experienc ... mylove.wma
Enjoy!
Hiran (London)

[Marian]

Thank you Hiran, I loved hearing those oh so familiar songs again, and so beautifully sung in Matt's son's own style.
We are going to see Matt Jnr at High Wycombe on the last night of the tour, it would make the evening complete to meet Mickie, Michele and Matt , and maybe even Matt's wonderful grandson too....

[TerenceLee]

I enjoyed both the songs but liked Portrait Of My Love more as your voice had more opportunity to build. Thanks for sharing!

[Ed]

Hiran, that was magnificent. Any plans for a tour!