blackburn-empire-poster-The Swing Commanders

The Swing Commanders

    MUSIC

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Thursday 9th October 2025 at 7:30pm


For one night only

The Swing Commanders are a stunningly vibrant and versatile group that perform an exciting mix of 1940s Classics, Boogie-Woogie, Western Swing, 50’s Jump Jazz and more!

Every member of the Swing Commanders sings and plays at least one instrument, sometimes three! Yet what makes them stand out even above their incredible music ability is their joie-de-vivre. The band members have a wealth of musical experience, from bar room to classical concert hall, as well as an understanding of dance and theatre. This results in a stage show that is technically precise and wildly entertaining.

People who experience the band for the first time are amazed at the energetic showmanship, the instrument swapping, the intricate arrangements, and sophisticated vocal blend. Whether you want to sit and listen, or dance the night away, this is the band for you!

 

blackburn-empire-Tony Christie

Tony Christie – The Great Farewell

    MUSIC

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Monday 1st September 2025 at 7:30pm


For one night only

The legendary crooner continues to entertain audiences around the world with incredible showmanship, an unmistakable powerful vocal, and a setlist that packs a punch—captivating generation after generation.

From one of the biggest-selling singles of the past two decades, ‘Is This The Way to Amarillo’, to other classics including ‘Avenues & Alleyways’, ‘Walk Like A Panther’, ‘Las Vegas’, and ‘I Did What I Did For Maria’, through to new singles ‘Thank You For Being A Friend’, ‘Home, Home, Home’ & ‘Just Like Yesterday’, Tony brings his signature style to the stage.

This unmissable show also features show-stopping covers from the late greats that helped shape the career of this humble veteran from Yorkshire.

In 2025, Tony will perform a select handful of shows along with his band, commemorating his triumphant 60+ year career. With no sign of slowing down, Tony Christie is living proof that age is just a number—and there’s beauty in experience.

 

blackburn-empire-Legends of Motown

Legends of Motown

    MUSIC

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Thursday 30th April 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Legends of Motown is a high energy tribute show jam packed with all of Motown’s biggest hits, with stunning vocals and amazing live band, celebrating the music of the iconic and timeless Motown era. Undoubtedly the golden era of music, the show pays tribute to the legendary artists that appeared on the Motown label at that time.

Get ready to be wowed with a song list that won’t fail to have you up and out of your seats and dancing in the aisles. Make it a night to remember with the music authentic to the Motown label from artists such as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Smokey Robinson, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, The Temptations, Jimmy Ruffin and many more!

“Legends of Motown delivered a powerful performance with stellar musicianship and contagious energy. Superb vocals, pitch-perfect harmonies, classic tunes and undeniable musical talent ensured an enjoyable atmosphere and experience for all in attendance.” ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ – backseatmafia.com

“The show is well executed with a fiery setlist – not a single seat was down by the end of the night as they had everyone dancing in the aisles.” ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“They had so much energy that flowed through to the audience, with amazing vocals that are perfectly accompanied by an extremely high quality band.” ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

 

blackburn-empire-Showaddywaddy

Showaddywaddy

    MUSIC

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Saturday 23rd August 2025 at 7:30pm


For one night only

'The Greatest Rock & Roll Band In The World' is a bold statement but Showaddywaddy has lived up to that title for the last 5 decades!

Formed in the 1970s in Leicester from several local bands, they have sold more than 20 million records and have toured all corners of the World extensively.

Their live show is dynamic and uplifting featu ring all of their biggest hits, many of which reached number one in the pop charts of Europe. 'Under The Moon of Love', 'Three Steps to Heaven', 'Hey Rock & Roll', 'When', 'Blue Moon', 'Pretty Little Angel Eyes' and many, many more.

So come and join the 'Dancin Party Youve Got What It Takes!

 

Songs From The Rat Pack – The Northern Swing Orchestra

    MUSIC

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Sunday 28th September 2025 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Get Ready for an unforgettable
night with The Sixteen Piece Northern Swing Orchestra at The Blackburn Empire
Theatre
on Sunday
28th September 2025!

It’s all systems go for
Yorkshire’s premier Big Band, The Sixteen Piece Northern Swing Orchestra, as
they gear up for an electrifying performance.

Prepare yourself for an
evening packed with timeless music, irresistible rhythms, and entertainment
guaranteed to have you tapping your feet and singing along. With their
sensational Rat Pack and Big Band Show, this will be an event to
remember!

Featuring the legendary hits
of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr., alongside the
swingin' classics of Count Basie, the night will transport you back to
the golden age of music. Expect to hear iconic songs like “The Lady Is a
Tramp”, “Me and My Shadow”,
and “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head”,
along with swinging instrumental numbers like “Flight of the Foo Birds”, “Splanky”
and “Sweet Georgia Brown”.

With three incredible
vocalists
delivering smooth, powerful performances, you’ll be swept away by
the charm, energy, and unforgettable tunes that defined the Rat Pack era.

Don’t miss this chance to
experience a night of world-class music and nostalgia! Join us for an evening
that promises to be a highlight of the year.

www.northernswingorchestra.co.uk

 

blackburn-empire-Jive Talkin' perform the Bee Gees

Jive Talkin’ perform the Bee Gees

    MUSIC

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Friday 12th June 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Renowned as the original and very best Bee Gees tribute show, and THE ONLY Bee Gees tribute show that has actually performed with the original Bee Gees! In 1997 Gary & Darren from Jive Talkin performed LIVE on HEART FM with THE BEE GEES and received great compliments from both Maurice and Barry Gibb.

As with the original Bee Gees, Jive Talkin is very much a family affair, with brothers Gary and Darren Simmons taking the roles of Barry and Maurice Gibb, with Darren's son Jack joining the group in 2014 and taking on the role of Robin Gibb. The guys are supported musically by a four piece band with Lead Guitar, Violin, Cello and Drums, to ensure that every note in every song is just right!

Wherever the group play they receive superb plaudits; "The Soundalike quality is quite sensational" (The Stage), "Amazing similarity to the real Bee Gees" (Wakefield Express), Absolutely Brilliant (Maurice Gibb), WOW (Barry Gibb).

For a truly amazing experience and an opportunity to hear all the great Bee Gees hits; Tragedy, Night Fever, Massachusetts, Stayin Alive, jive Talkin, etc, in a 2 hour explosion of music and vocal harmony, this is a night not to be missed!

 

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

Join us as we celebrate a rock line-up like no other headlined by one of the greatest bands of all time!

As always, we'll be taking audiences on a thrilling ride through the history of rock – but this time, we're turning the spotlight on Led Zeppelin, as they headline the ultimate rock concert line-up the world has ever seen.

A must see for any fan of ROCK!
Experience this iconic music brought back to life by an exceptional band consisting of some of the finest musicians and performers from around the world.

So join us and experience a rock show like no other with THE HISTORY OF ROCK!

 

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-Truly Collins

Truly Collins

    MUSIC

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Thursday 2nd October 2025 at 7:30pm


by Presented by Seventh Avenue Arts for one night only

Truly Collins is
the hit show that celebrates the unforgettable music of Phil Collins &
Genesis.
As seen on USA's NBC, the show is by far the most authentic sounding
tribute to Phil Collins. His performances have been described as breathtaking!

From Phil's
charting topping classics 'In the Air Tonight', 'Sussudio',and 'Easy Lover' to the Genesis hits 'I Can't
Dance', 'Invisible Touch' and 'In Too Deep' the show will have you waving your
arms and singing along all night.

“He sounds just like Phil Collins,
unbelievable!”– BBC Radio

Visit the Facebook Page

 

blackburn-empire-The UK Rock Show

The UK Rock Show

    MUSIC

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Sunday 21st September 2025 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Harder Rock Productions is Proud to bring you ‘The UK Rock Show’

Get ready to be transported back to the 80s heyday of classic rock, combining the feel of a
rock festival with the atmosphere of a top end rock arena tour. Expect fireworks, flames,
amazing lighting and exacting attention to detail as this amazing 5 piece band recreate hits
from rock gods such as Journey, Aerosmith, Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, Kiss, AC/DC, Van Halen
and many more!

If you are a fan of live classic rock this is the show for you!

www.theukrockshow.co.uk