Peter Andre is set to captivate audiences with his rendition of Frankie Valli's timeless classics in the show 'The Very Best of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons' at Bradford Live. Growing up in Australia, Peter was exposed to the vibrant beach culture, where loudspeakers played songs from the Four Seasons, unknowingly planting the seeds of his future musical journey. Little did he know that he would one day be the one singing those very same songs on a UK tour.
This month, Peter Andre takes center stage at Bradford Live, paying homage to the iconic group that has sold over 150 million records and earned a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The show, a nostalgic tribute to the life and career of Frankie Valli, Tommy DeVito, Nick Massi, and Bob Gaudio, tells their story through the very songs that made them famous. With the support of West End performers, Peter will deliver a captivating performance, including hits like Sherry, Beggin’, My Eyes Adored You, Big Girls Don’t Cry, and Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.
'These are songs that we have grown up with, and parents now play them for their kids. It’s a show for everyone - we get people aged five to 95 coming along,' Peter shares. 'When I was a kid in the Eighties, I remember speakers on the beach playing music from local radio stations. A lot of them were songs by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. I didn’t realize until I started doing this show that I grew up with songs.'
The show is a musical journey, narrating the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, from their humble beginnings under a street lamp to becoming one of the most-loved groups in music history. 'We go back to how it all started - it was Joe Pesci, the actor, who found them - and narrate the story through the songs,' Peter explains. 'My brother, Michael, has seen me in Thriller in the West End and lots of other shows, and he says this is the best thing I’ve done.'
Frankie Valli, the charismatic lead vocalist, was renowned for his powerful range and signature falsetto, which defined the Four Seasons' sound. 'A lot of people don’t know that falsetto is my strength. I’ve never really done it in my songs,' Peter admits. 'When people hear me, they say, 'I had no idea you could sing like that.' The songs are beautiful, and I particularly love 'My Eyes Adored You' - it’s such a clean sound. I love singing 'Grease' too. I was in 'Grease' in the West End, and Frankie Valli sang 'Grease' in the movie, so it’s kind of a full circle moment for me when I sing that.'
Peter is relishing the opportunity to play Frankie Valli, singing timeless classics and dancing to the smooth moves of the Four Seasons. 'When I was starting out, you had to do all three - sing, dance, and act. I’ve been writing songs since I was 13, but you need to be able to cut it on stage too,' he says. 'I still pinch myself now when I think of being 16 and dreaming of making it. I was alive when Elvis, Michael Jackson, Prince, and John Lennon were alive too. Our generation, and our parents’ generation, can say that. How lucky are we?'
This month, Peter Andre gets to perform in a venue where the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and Buddy Holly have appeared. 'I played a venue in Ipswich recently, where the Beatles had played, it was amazing to look out where they’d looked out,' Peter reflects. 'I’m really looking forward to Bradford. It’s the only place on tour where I like to go out to eat after the show.'
'The Very Best of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons' will be at Bradford Live on February 25. For tickets, call 0343 3100026 or visit www.trafalgartickets.com/bradford-live-bradford/.
