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gozotoday | FRIDAY • 21 FEBRUARY 2025
NEWS
SPIRIT of Smokie will be per-
forming at the Aurora on 15
March 2025.
Originating in the early six-
ties in the City of Bradford,
England, school friends Ron
Kelly, Chris Norman, Alan Sil-
son and Terry Uttley formed
their first line up. After several
recording contracts and name
changes the name "Smokie"
was decided upon.
This signalled a period of
worldwide success for the
band (with Pete Spencer re-
placing Ron Kelly on drums)
selling over 30 million records.
Norman left in 1986 and a
new-look "Smokie" came to be,
with two original members and
lead singer Alan Barton. Alan's
voice, energy and drive for suc-
cess re-established the name of
"Smokie" as a worldwide tour-
ing and recording band.
Tragedy struck in March
1995 when Barton died in an
accident on a German motor-
way.
In March 2008 a Memorial
Concert was held for Alan Bar-
ton, fronted by his son Dean
Barton and just like that "Spirit
of Smokie" was born. This fea-
tured Alan Silson Ron Kelly,
Andy Whelan and Graham
Kearns.
As Alan Barton before with
"Smokie", Dean and the boys
have worked hard for the past
15 years to re-establish the
great sound of the original
band.
A combination of drama, pa-
nache, musicianship and ded-
ication, together with a great
sound is the hallmark of 'Spirit
of Smokie' who thrill concert
goers, loyal fans and media
alike.
The band will be performing
at the Aurora on 15 March at
7.30pm.
Tickets are available online
at www.teatruaurora.com/
box-office .
Spirit of Smokie performing at the Aurora
Spirit of Smokie will be performing at the Aurora on 15 March
