blackburn-empire-The Story Behind Motown

The Story Behind Motown

    MUSIC

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Sunday 7th February 2027 at 2:30pm


For one night only

Back by popular demand and standing ovations!

Welcome once again to a world of Motown magic.

Join us on a journey through the golden years of Motown, blended with the smooth sounds of soul. “The Story Behind Motown” celebrates the legendary legacy founded by Mr. Berry Gordy Jr., taking you right back to where it all began – Detroit City, the home of Hitsville U.S.A.

Enjoy original footage on the big screen alongside timeless classics performed live by our two outstanding vocalists, Anita and Courtney, whose stunning harmonies bring the music to life.

Expect spectacular costume changes throughout, plus The Supreme Dancers, who will have the crowd on their feet, singing and dancing along to unforgettable hits from:

The Temptations – Jackie Wilson – Diana Ross & The Supremes – Sam Cooke – Smokey Robinson – The Drifters – Marvin Gaye

…and so many more!

So grab your dancing shoes and warm up those singing voices as we take you on another trip through the Motown years!

What audiences said at our last visit to the Blackburn Empire:

⭐ “We enjoyed every minute. It was brilliant — well done to all of you!”

⭐ “It was a great show, well done to everyone involved!”

⭐ “Absolutely amazing — wow, the dresses were gorgeous!”

⭐ “What a show! Beautiful singers and dancers. Can’t wait for next time.”

⭐ “Brilliant show! Now I know more about Motown. Didn’t want it to end.”

⭐ “Seen it twice now and love it! Couldn’t stop dancing!”

…and many more!

 

blackburn-empire-The Spice Party – Celebrating 30 Years of the Spice Girls

The Spice Party – Celebrating 30 Years of the Spice Girls

    MUSIC

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Friday 9th July 2027 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Get ready to Spice Up Your Life! Join us for the ultimate celebration of 30 years of Girl Power with The Spice Party — a dazzling live concert experience packed with all the hits, iconic looks, and unstoppable energy of the Spice Girls!

From Wannabe to Stop, Say You’ll Be There to Viva Forever, this feel-good show brings the magic, music, and memories of the 90s back to life. Grab your friends, bring your best dance moves, and get ready for a night of fun, friendship, and pure pop nostalgia.

Because when it comes to The Spice Party – friendship never ends!

 

blackburn-empire-Total REX

Total REX

    MUSIC

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Saturday 3rd October 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Total REX is a sensational show capturing the rock sound of Marc Bolan and T. Rex – a must-see for all Bolan, Glam Rock, and 70s music fans alike.

The show features all of T. Rex’s biggest hits from the 1970s, along with fan-favourite album tracks and much, much more!

Formed in 2021, the band – all lifelong T. Rex fans – have quickly established themselves as one of the UK’s favourite and leading T. Rex tribute acts. They are officially endorsed by The Official Marc Bolan Fan Club (OMBFC).

Bolan still has a large and loyal fan base worldwide, and his status as one of Britain’s leading music stars has recently been recognised with T. Rex’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

 

blackburn-empire-The Rod Stewart Songbook

The Rod Stewart Songbook

    MUSIC

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Friday 25th September 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

The Rod Stewart Songbook are delighted to be returning to Blackburn Empire Theatre. 

Their spectacular theatre production is the ultimate homage to Sir Rod Stewart, featuring the sensational Pete McCall. 

⭐️ Rod Stewart’s sister, Mary Cady, said to Pete “you were excellent”.

⭐️ The Hull Daily Mail wrote, “Pete McCall is the next best thing to seeing Rod himself”. 

Along with his fantastic Live Band, you will be taken on a musical journey spanning 50 years, when one of rock music’s greatest icons sold over 250 million records worldwide. 

These unforgettable hits include Sailing, Maggie May, Da Ya Think I’m Sexy, Some Guys Have All The Luck, Baby Jane, Rhythm Of My Heart, You Wear It Well, Hot Legs and many many more.

 

blackburn-empire-poster-Ultimate 70s Show

Ultimate 70s Show

    MUSIC

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Saturday 5th September 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Travel back in time and relive the sights and sounds of the seventies. The Ultimate 70’s show rolls back the years and takes you on a roller coaster ride with a show encompassing all the biggest glam hits form that era.

It was the decade that time forgot – so dust off your tank tops, lace up your platform boots, spray on the Old Spice, it’s time to rock!! A six piece line up faithfully recreate huge anthems by Slade, T-Rex, Bowie, The Sweet, Mud, Alice Cooper to name a few.

The audience are encouraged to dress with the times and join in the fun in this high octane show.

Leave your inhibitions at the door for a night of pure seventies glam rock!!

Fancy dress not necessary but strongly encouraged!!

 

blackburn-empire-The Searchers Experience Show - Starring Spencer James

The Searchers Experience Show – Starring Spencer James

    MUSIC

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Wednesday 14th October 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Spencer James has been lead vocalist and guitarist with Sixties legends The Searchers for 37 years, prior to their retirement in 2019.

Touring with his own band, The Spencer James Band, during the interim, Spencer and the rest of The Searchers are uniting for a reunion tour.

They have performed in just about every prestigious venue in the world, including Wembley Stadium (with Sir Cliff Richard), National Indoor Arena (Millennium New Year with Sir Cliff), London Palladium, Royal Albert Hall, and Madison Square Garden, including tours of Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, USA, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, and Las Vegas. He has remained hugely popular throughout this time.

Spencer James was also a member of the band called The First Class, which gave Spencer his first big hit with a song called “Beach Baby” in 1974. They appeared on many TV shows, including Top of the Pops, Lift Off with Aysha, and many European television shows.

Continuing with the legacy of The Searchers, Spencer now presents The Searchers Experience with his backing band – a show that recreates the magic from a band which successfully spanned five decades.

The show offers all the hits and more of The Searchers’ live show, presented with all the personality for which Spencer is known and loved.

 

blackburn-empire-The History of Rock

The History of Rock

    MUSIC

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Friday 10th April 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Relive the greatest years of rock live
on stage!

THE HISTORY OF ROCK is back and ready to
take you on the ultimate journey through the genre’s most iconic and
electrifying eras!

Forget the history books—this year,
we're putting a spotlight on the greatest years of rock! From stadium-shaking
concerts and iconic festivals to legendary albums and unforgettable anthems,
prepare for a thrilling, year-by-year celebration of the moments that defined a
generation.

Experience the sound and energy of the
'70s and '80s with a massive, hand-picked setlist featuring a wide mix of
classic rock giants. Think Queen, Fleetwood Mac, AC/DC, Metallica, Black
Sabbath, and many more! Whether it was a pivotal album release or a legendary
live performance, we're bringing the most important milestones of rock history
back to life.

Featuring an exceptional band of
world-class musicians, you’ll hear these iconic songs performed with power,
precision, and passion.

Don't miss the ultimate rock and roll
time machine! Join us for a concert celebration of the greatest years and
relive the music that changed the world.

Book your tickets now and experience THE
HISTORY OF ROCK!

 

blackburn-empire-The Big Yellow Tambourine Man Band  Celebrate The Iconic Music of Bob Dylan & Joni Mitchell

The Big Yellow Tambourine Man Band Celebrate The Iconic Music of Bob Dylan & Joni Mitchell

    MUSIC

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Sunday 7th June 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Bob Dylan & Joni Mitchell are both ranked in Rolling Stone’s ‘Top Ten Singer-Songwriters of All Time’ and their legacy is honoured in this stunning tribute, ‘The Big Yellow Tambourine Man Band’.

With unrivalled musical authenticity this multi-instrumentalist five-piece covers all the hits including ‘Like a Rolling Stone’, ‘Both Sides Now’, ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’, and ‘Big Yellow Taxi’. The band is fronted by Bob Thomson and Isabelle Nutton as Bob and Joni.

An exhilarating evening of songwriting genius, expertly presented with passion and humour. Audiences will be taken on a journey through Joni’s and Bob’s histories, poetry and artistry, their trademark guitars and pianos backed by a full band and augmented with the evocative sounds of the Wurlitzer, harmonica and dulcimer.

Be totally swept along on the trip by loving recreations of the pair’s most recognisable finery, with stops in Greenwich Village, Laurel Canyon, Isle of Wight and beyond. This talented and enigmatic freewheelin’ five-piece with an eye for detail will make you feel like you’re really there, man…

 

blackburn-empire-STRONG ENOUGH – Ultimate Tribute Concert to Cher

STRONG ENOUGH – Ultimate Tribute Concert to Cher

    MUSIC

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Thursday 22nd October 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Get ready for an unforgettable evening, celebrating the global superstar and great female icon that is Cher.
Featuring all of the classic hits including Turn Back Time, I Found Someone, Believe, Strong Enough, Gypsies Tramps and Thieves, her modern Abba remixes and many more.

This is one show-stopping dazzling extravaganza you do not want to miss!
This show will take you on a musical journey from the Dark Lady days, to the rocking 80’s perm days and the celebration disco hits as we TURN BACK TIME and celebrate the queen of pop and rock.

‘Strong Enough’ features 25 smash hits, six decades of stardom and enough costume changes to cause a sequins shortage…
With full live band and dancers, come along and experience the passion, the flair and the glitter!

 

blackburn-empire-Simply Red Tribute: Holding Back The Years

Simply Red Tribute: Holding Back The Years

    MUSIC

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Thursday 27th August 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

With over 50 million albums sold worldwide and a catalogue of chart-topping hits such as "Holding Back The Years", "Stars", "Fairground", “Money’s Too Tight (To Mention)”, and “If You Don’t Know Me By Now”, Simply Red stand as one of Britain’s most iconic bands.

Paying meticulous attention to detail, Holding Back The Years faithfully recreates the authentic Simply Red concert experience. Whether performing in intimate venues or on the largest stages, this tribute band is dedicated to capturing the unique atmosphere and energy of a live Simply Red show.

At the core of Holding Back The Years is an exceptional lead vocalist, supported by a band of world class musicians. Together, they reproduce the distinctive sound and era-defining style of Mick Hucknall and Simply Red.

Join us as we honour one of the greatest British bands in history. Whether you’re a long-time Simply Red fan or simply appreciate superb musicianship and classic hits, you can look forward to a memorable evening filled with timeless music.