blackburn-empire-Stax of Soul - Still Groovin’ Tour 2026

Stax of Soul – Still Groovin’ Tour 2026

    MUSIC

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Friday 20th March 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

43 years on… the rhythm remains, the soul endures; the music lives on, and so do we.

After another sensational run in 2025, STAX of SOUL return to The Empire with their Still Groovin’ Tour 2026! From their Manchester beginnings in 1983 to more than four decades of delivering powerhouse soul, the band keeps the music alive, celebrating the hits, the memories, and the fans who’ve made it all possible.

Prepare for an electrifying evening as this legendary nine-piece band brings the greatest soul sounds to life, backed by their signature brass section and unstoppable stage energy. STAX of SOUL delivers timeless classics from Stax, Atlantic, Motown, and Northern Soul, paying tribute to icons such as James Brown and The Blues Brothers.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable celebration! Tickets for STAX of SOUL’s Still Groovin’ Tour 2026 at The Empire are expected to sell fast — secure yours now and join the legacy.

Featuring over 30 classic soul anthems:
~ Get Ready ~ Higher and Higher ~ Tenderness ~ My Girl ~ Stand By Me ~ (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction ~ Give Me Just A Little More Time ~ The Snake ~ Gimme Some Lovin’ ~ Minnie The Moocher ~ Shake a Tail Feather ~ Hold On, I’m Comin’ ~ Soul Man ~ I Got You (I Feel Good) ~ Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag ~ In the Midnight Hour ~ It’s The Same Old Song ~ Stop Her On Sight ~ and many more.

 

blackburn-empire-Sound & Vision – A tribute to David Bowie

Sound & Vision – A tribute to David Bowie

    MUSIC

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Thursday 29th October 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Fasten your seatbelts – the Starman is here!!

Sound & Vision – A Tribute to David Bowie was launched on what would have been Bowie’s 75th birthday in 2022.

While his career spanned five decades, he maintained his relevance to both his long-term ardent fans and younger emerging audiences. There has never been an artist that has offered inspiration to so many people within the music industry. His songs still have the ability to affect and influence music lovers across the world.

What makes Sound & Vision so special is their note-perfect recreation of the legend himself and the iconic musicians he loved to work with. The 7-piece band offers audiences a chance to fully appreciate each complex nuance of his many, many songs. And they’re all there… Ziggy Stardust, Life on Mars, Starman, All the Young Dudes, Rebel-Rebel, China Girl… and so many more.

Chris Burke has an unmatched vocal similarity to Bowie. His vocal ability allows you to enjoy each song being performed as you’d want them to be – perfectly recreating his voice. Close your eyes… you’d think he was in the room.

But it’s not just about the vocals. The musicianship and talent of the other band members is truly world class. The line-up includes:
Jeff John (Lead Guitar), John Wilmott (Bass), Colin Elward (Keyboards), Simon Harry (Rhythm Guitar), Gareth Addey (Drums) and Mike Davies (Saxophone).

The show is mesmerising with lights and a wonderful soundscape, designed to stimulate all your senses… and it includes a few surprises too. Suitable for all ages, and guaranteed to have you dancing in the aisles.

Celebrate David Bowie’s amazing music with us. It’ll be a memorable rock experience with the UK’s best sound-alike Bowie show.

 

blackburn-empire-The ELO Encounter - Face the Music

The ELO Encounter – Face the Music

    MUSIC

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Sunday 23rd August 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Roll over Beethoven, because the greatest tribute to Jeff Lynne’s Electric Light Orchestra is here! In an all live show featuring soaring strings, striking vocal harmonies and playing all the much loved songs from ELO’s hit-filled library including Evil Woman, Telephone Line and Don’t Bring Me Down. The ELO Encounter promises a night filled with rock, roll and Blue Skies that would make even Mozart mambo and Bach boogie! So Hold On Tight because Rock and Roll Is King in a show that is guaranteed to have you partying All Over The World.

Not only flawlessly recreating the wonderful music of ELO, it’s a spectacular live show from start to finish. Stunning lights and special effects create an atmosphere that will have you fully immersed in the whole experience. As The ELO Encounter reel off ELO classic hit after hit, it’s guaranteed to have the hairs on the back of your neck dancing in time to the music!

As a recent reviewer remarked, “Not really a tribute, that cheapens what this band does, which is to transport you back to those days. So sensitively and authentically done, at times it felt like it was actually ELO being mirrored up there on the stage”.

That’s what The ELO Encounter tribute show is all about.

★★★★★ “An incredible evening! It isn't often we get shows of your calibre!” — Muni Theatre, Colne
★★★★★ “A brilliant night out” — Steve Scruton – BBC Radio
★★★★★ “Amazing … a fantastic band” — Tony Fisher – BBC Radio
★★★★★ “I’ve never seen such a standing ovation here!” — Braintree Arts Theatre
★★★★★ “Simply outstanding … thank you ELO Encounter” — RoadHouse Birmingham
★★★★★ “Certainly went down a storm!” — Quay Theatre
★★★★★ “Best Tribute band we have seen at the Fisher.” — Fisher Theatre

 

blackburn-empire-Man of the World: The Music of Peter Green

Man of the World: The Music of Peter Green

    MUSIC

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Friday 16th October 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Celebrating the life and music of Peter Green, founder of the original Fleetwood Mac. Guitarist Remi Harris will be joined by vocalist Dave Small, bassist Tom Moore and Shane Dixon on drums to perform music from throughout Peter Green's career. Including such classics as Man Of The World, Black Magic Woman, Need Your Love So Bad, Albatross and The Green Manalishi (With The Two Prong Crown).

 

Legends of American Country

    MUSIC

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Thursday 29th January 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Now seen by over 350,000 fans live and watched by
millions on TV, Europe’s No.1 multi-award-winning show "The
Legends of American Country",
 this hit country show returns for
another fantastic night of toe-tapping Country nostalgia!

The upcoming tour will showcase highly
acclaimed tributes to Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Don Williams, Patsy
Cline, Hank Williams, Tammy Wynette
 and Kenny Rogers and
new tributes to icons Alan Jackson, Shania Twain, Garth Brooks and the
new kid on the block Luke Combs 
 with countless other well-known
singalong hit songs  in this must-see musical extravaganza.

"Pure raw Classic  Country at its
best" – CMT

The show also features three superb singers
 who are all accompanied by a fantastic  live band of musicians.
Watch that real authentic Tennessee sound coupled with an authentic stage set
and state-of-the-art production that is guaranteed to transport you all the
way, hand clapping and toe-tapping, to Nashville and back in one night.

One thing is for sure, if it’s Country music
you like then this is the only show in town!

Over 2,000 5-star reviews! 

Country Music Northern Ireland “As
good as Country show that you will see live anywhere outside Nashville “ 

Hot Country TV  “fantastic show
of nostalgic country at its best with superb vocalists and musicians “

 

blackburn-empire-LET THE MUSIC PLAY - Celebrating the music of BARRY WHITE

LET THE MUSIC PLAY – Celebrating the music of BARRY WHITE

    MUSIC

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Saturday 14th February 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Direct from the USA, it’s the critically acclaimed Barry White Revue, starring the big man with the big voice – William Hicks.

Get ready to experience the magic of Barry White’s timeless hits, including:You’re the First, the Last, My Everything, Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe, You See the Trouble with Me, Never, Never Gonna Give Ya Up, Just the Way You Are, What Am I Gonna Do With You, I’ll Do for You Anything You Want Me To, Baby, We Better Try to Get It Together, Don’t Make Me Wait Too Long, Sho’ You Right, and, of course, Let the Music Play… you’re never more than a song away from another million-selling hit.

Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, William’s mesmerising stage presence effortlessly recreates the distinctive style and silky-smooth bass-baritone vocals of the three-time Grammy Award-winner.

Joined on stage by his Soul Unlimited Orchestra and supported by the stunning Motown trio, The Supreme Dreamgirls, this show delivers incredible attention to detail and has really “got it together.”

If you love soul and Motown, you will love this—book your seats now!

100 million records sold, 20 gold and 10 platinum singles – the world loves Barry White, and Barry White loved the world.

 

blackburn-empire-Oasiz

Oasiz

    MUSIC

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Friday 13th February 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

OASIZ are one of the UK’s most authentic tribute bands, a point proved in 2023 when a short clip of frontman Steve performing as Liam went viral on social media with over half a million views. Many fans were convinced the clip was actually of Liam Gallagher himself, which led to the story being covered in the national press as well as a high-profile TV appearance later that year.

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the record-breaking Oasis shows at Knebworth, OASIZ are embarking on their third UK tour – and this is your chance to see them in top form. The setlist will pay homage to the most memorable parts of the Knebworth shows and will also include all the big-hitting, career-spanning anthems that you would associate with a greatest hits tour.

One not to miss!

 

blackburn-empire-Nearly Elton - The Ultimate Tribute Show to Elton John

Nearly Elton – The Ultimate Tribute Show to Elton John

    MUSIC

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Friday 20th February 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Experience the ultimate Elton John tribute concertNearly Elton is a stunning celebration of the music and life of one of the greatest showmen of our time.

Starring Lee Brady as Elton and featuring an outstanding full live band, this phenomenal production is an exciting, heartfelt concert that has been described as:

“A powerhouse performance that delivers on every level…”

Take a magical ride through five decades of hits, including:
Rocketman, Your Song, I’m Still Standing, Candle in the Wind, Sacrifice, I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues, and many more…

 

blackburn-empire-Rave On

Rave On

    MUSIC

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Saturday 21st March 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Rave On is the 50s and 60s musical sensation sweeping the nation!

From the emergence of Rock and Roll at Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee, to the British Invasion and beyond, this is a musical adventure you won’t want to miss.

Charting the meteoric rise of Rock and Roll, Rave On is a thrilling tour through music’s most revolutionary decades. Join us for an exhilarating evening of toe-tapping, sing-along iconic classics, vibrant vintage costumes, colourful staging, and dancing in the aisles!

Take a step back in time and experience the history of rock and roll music like never before. Rave On includes hits from the likes of Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, The Beatles, Connie Francis, Neil Sedaka, Little Richard, Roy Orbison, Lulu, The Beach Boys, and many more.

No modern gimmicks—just note-perfect renditions of the most loved sounds from the decades that gifted us Rock and Roll.

Performed by an incredibly talented, era-obsessed group of young musicians, this brand-new show features leading performers from West End productions including The Buddy Holly Story, Million Dollar Quartet, and Dreamboats & Petticoats.

Transporting you back to the fabulous 50s and swinging 60s in stunningly authentic style, Rave On promises to be a musical experience like no other.

 

Oh What A Night!

    MUSIC

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Friday 27th March 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

OH WHAT A NIGHT! takes you back in time on a musical journeythrough the incredible career of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, now immortalised in the multi-award-winning show Jersey Boys, which has been packing theatres worldwidesince its debut in 2005.

Valli’s unmistakable voicedominated the airwaves for more than two decades with classics such as:
Sherry, Let’s Hang On, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, My Eyes Adored You, December ’63 (Oh What A Night), Bye Bye Baby, Who Loves Youand many, many more.

With a repertoire that needs no introduction, OH WHAT A NIGHT!combines infectious personalities, amazing vocals, slick harmonies, and even slicker dance movesto deliver a show full of energy and nostalgiathat will leave you wanting more!

Don’t miss the ultimate celebrationof one of the world’s greatest Rock & Roll bands!