VETERAN Australian songwriter and former pin-up idol Russell Morris will embark on his 2005 tour by taking in three dates around the Hunter.
It will be a real treat for fans, as Morris and his band take the stage for two hours, revisiting his classic hits written over four decades.
Morris will perform at Hexham Bowling Club on Friday, April 8, Cessnock Supporters Club on Saturday, April 9, and Singleton Bowling Club on Sunday, April 10.
Best remembered for his psychedelic chart-topper The Real Thing, Morris has proved to be a survivor in the Australian music industry.
His status was confirmed recently when he was selected by the Australasian Performing Right Association as one of the top 20 Australian artists of all time.
There is no doubt that Morris has come a long way from creeping his way into the Australian scene in 1966 as the lead singer of the band Somebody's Image. It was from there Morris aspired to a solo career that came to fruition two years later under the management skill of industry heavyweight Ian `Molly' Meldrum. By 1969 Morris had already experienced chart-topping success with two national number- one singles, The Real Thing and The Girl That I Love. Proving he has a lot more to offer, Morris continued to blast his way through the charts, achieving five top-10 singles including Wings of An Eagle, Rachel and Sweet Sweet Love. Morris has accomplished single and album sales in excess of 500,000 units to date.
As well as succeeding as a stage performer, Morris has also proved himself as a talented songwriter with the likes of Rod Stewart, John Denver, The Hollies, Joe Cocker, Paul Simon and Linda Ronstadt all recognising his ability.
Elton John even went as far as once to describe him as ``one of the finest talents in Australia''.
Over the years he has shared his music with some of Australia's leading artist by penning tunes for the likes of John Farnham. He has also taken his voice to the stage, starring in a production of Jesus Christ Superstar alongside Kate Ceberano, Angry Anderson and John Waters. When he is not writing songs, Morris is busy making appearances in various projects.
The Australian film The Dish featured two of Morris's songs on its soundtrack.
He has performed to more than 100,000 people at the opening celebrations of the AFL grand final in Melbourne.
His latest collaborations have involved teaming with ex- Zoot member Daryl Cotton and Masters Apprentices member Jim Keays to form the band Cotton, Keays and Morris. Tickets are available at the venues.
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