The show is going to be great…and the merchandise “Paradise / Nightlife” merchandise is off the chain. Bring extra coins!
Photography: Albert Sanchez
Make:up: Billy B
Design: Ray Easmon
I haven’t had much time to update my tour journal, but I will with loads of additional photo’s and more anecdotes – I made it through as the tour concluded last night sold out in Camden’s plush Gilgamesh. This photo is from Halifax in the dressing room in my custom black sequined jumpsuit as I currently sit in the airport lounge excited and exhausted returning home. I can’t wait to share more of the wild ride that was David Gest Present Legends of Soul Tour 2014.
One of the albums on my tour playlist was Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd Jazz Samba, gnerally playing it on the long rides back to Liverpool form whatever city we were in. love jazz and bosa nova.
A great start to the week to all – BE fabulous, go for amazing -don’t just go through the motions of life on the daily grind of life!
On the road to .. from our base in Liverpool in the Mercedes Vito. © 2014 Jody Watley
Rhyl Pavilion – gorgeous theater. I always go to the stage first to get the vibe. © 2014 Jody Watley Images
A view from my dressing room in Rhyl, my second stop upon arrival – heavy winds and rain by the sea. Most dressing rooms don’t have windows, let alone a view of any kind. ©2014 Jody Watley Images
Early Pre-show silly shenanigans after plates were shoved in my direction for my constant photo taking – – all for fun and laughs of course..the joke being all the food being washed down with a ‘Diet Coke.’ The KFC took me back to my teen Soul Train days when all we got was a cold two piece snack and a cold soda – which none of us minded just to be on television getting exposure on the road to pursuing our dreams..who knew I’d be in North Wales one day and they’d have it. I would have preferred salad greens..lol. The key to life must include a sense of humor! © 2014 Jody Watley Images
“Get your Legends of Soul Tour programs!” Testing out my camera options on the black and white and color accents! © 2014 Jody Watley Images.
Pre-Show Meet and Greet for those who purchased tickets (serious autographs collectors) for first two rows. Rhyl Pavilion. © 2014 Jody Watley Images
Chillin’ in my dressing room before meet and greet vortex , candles burning, listening to music – one of the few times I’ve had my own dressing room (Hallelujah!!) just killing time – #selfie © 2014 Jody Watley Images
Backstage with Matt Kern and another cutie Anders from Denmark (they’re both new artists /musicians, with this driver gig as an adventure to learn the business ropes.. so I will be able to say I knew them when! © 2014 Jody Watley Images
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Little Anthony having a laugh backstage as we wait to go back to hotel. © 2014 Jody Watley Images
5 minutes and I’m on. Ready for showtime in sequins and glitter stiletto’s by Jerome C. Rousseau – yes! © 2014 Jody Watley Images
My view backstage – partial of the band. © 2014 Jody Watley Images
Matt is a real cutie, all of our drivers are rock star hot! © 2014 Jody Watley Images.
After a near two hour drive..back at our hotel -some of us overstay the customary ‘fabulous buffet’ and the security screens go up – closing time, “Where are my keys?!” . © 2014 Jody watley Images
We’re in the home stretch now..
It’s In The Music!
I’m in the UK at the moment, having arrived a few days ago preparing for the start of the David Gest Presents Legends of Soul Tour which includes fellow Aquarian Dennis Edwards of The Temptations. Listening to him at soundcheck and rehearsal was a great reminder of my junior high days when music artists were so soulful and diverse. I’m a longtime fan of the Temptations and to meet many of these artists, though I’m a seasoned veteran myself — is like being the baby of the bunch, I am never jaded in these moments – being in the moment. I respect everyone’s continued journey in this crazy business. Life can really be a trip, you just never know where you’ll end up and who you’ll meet along the way – until you just keep believing and persevering toward your goals and dreams. Always remembering it’s the journey not necessarily the destination. Kudos to everyone out here in life believing and doing. Here’s a capture of me before it started raining heavily with gusty winds which turned my umbrella inside out – it reminded me of being in Chicago! Keep track of the dates: Here
© 2014 Jody Watley at seaside resort town Bognor Regis, before a heavy wind and rainfall.
Photography: Mike Ruiz Makeup: Billy B.
Jody Watley LIve in Japan:
Billboard Live Osaka, January 18, 2014
Billboard Live Tokyo, January 20 – 21, 2014
David Gest Presents Legends of Soul Tour:
I’m looking forward to not only performing my current hit single “Nightlife” and a few classics from my solo and Shalamar days as the original female lead in my short set as a part of David Gest Presents Legends of Soul but continuing to spread the word about my upcoming “Paradise” and other musical ventures on the horizon. To share the stage with acts that I grew up listening to (Dennis Edwards and The Temptations Review (Papa Was A Rolling Stone, Song For You..), Candi Staton (I dance to Young Hearts Run Free at Giorgio’s nearly every Saturday, Sheila Ferguson another original lead of the super group The Three Degrees). Gwen Dickey (Wishing On A Star) and I last crossed paths when she was a member of Rose Royce, and I a member of Shalamar. This is a personal honor for me – an adventure in an ongoing musical journey!
Design: Ray Easmon
It’s no secret I love Japan, and have since my first visit back in 1987. I’ve been going there consistently to perform and get excited each time. Billboard Live is a state of the art venue with an awesome staff which is always a bonus for any artist – you know it’s going to be right. The fans bring so much love, enthusiasm and warmth just as if they’re seeing me for the first time – there are always new fans there as well. It’s In The Music!
Billboard Live Osaka – January 18, 2014
Billboard Live Tokyo – January 20-21, 2014
“It’s In The Music” Nightlife. Collage and Art. Shawn West
Nightlife interpretation by Vernon Sze
The NEW single “NIGHTLIFE” from the forthcoming new EP “Paradise” due early 2014. Available now at digital outlets worldwide, including the “Classic Glamour Extended” EP. BUY “NIGHTLIFE” – HERE
Limited edition vinyl coming late October!
I’ll be one of the artists a part of David Gest’s Legends of Soul Spectacular” – The Event of The Year. This tour sells out each year, and I’m excited to be a part of such a stellar historical assortment of music legacy artists. I’m always down for new ventures and worthwhile opportunities and adventures. My participation will clear the way to bring my own full concert experience as I continue promoting my new music and my own eclectic hit repertoire. “It’s In The Music!”
Tickets and More Info: HERE
Butlins Bognor Regis Jan 31
Butlins Minehead Feb. 1
Butlins Skegness Feb. 2
St. Helens Theatre Royal Feb 6
St. Helens Theatre Royal Feb 7
Blackpool The Grand Feb 8
Halifax Victoria Theatre Feb. 9
Liverpool Hilton Feb 11
Stockport Plaza Feb 13
RHYL Pavilion Feb. 14
Carlisle Sands Centre Feb. 15
Motherwell Concert Hall Feb 16
Durham Gala Theatre Feb 19
Hull City Hall Feb. 20
York Barbican Feb 21
Scunthorpe Baths Hall Feb 22
Stockton On Tees Forum Feb 23
Bridlington The Spa Theatre Feb 26
JUST ADDED!
Malvern Theatre Feb 27
Peterbourough The Cresset March 1
Bournemouth Pier Theatre March 2
Image Courtesy of CentricTV, SoulSessions
“..I expected a high energy show..” – Read the full review: