Ahead of Olly Murs' summer shows at Haydock Park and Newmarket Racecourses, we caught up with him on everything from lockdown to Soccer Aid, body transformations and new music!
Lockdown has left a huge hole in people's lives with the lack of live music. How excited are you to get back on the road again and play to fans?
I’m so excited to get back on the road. It’s been a tough year for everyone, so it’s nice to have something to look forward to for next summer. I’m very aware that not only am I looking forward to it as playing live is the best part of my job, but also for all the people I employ to put on the shows – from my band, crew – sound, lighting, producers, riggers – so many people that rely on live music to make a living. To go around the UK playing at loads of amazing outdoor venues is going to be pretty special.
What've you missed the most about performing live?
I’ve missed seeing my fans and having that connection with them when I’m on stage. There’s nothing better than being on the road and actually being able to see your fans singing and dancing to your music. I feed off people’s energy, so going back on the road all around the country, to places I don’t often get to go will be amazing. Also playing live with my band, and having them all on stage with me bringing my music to life is the best feeling.
If you had to pick, what would be your favourite tour memory?
It’s so hard to pick as I’ve been lucky enough to have so many amazing memories on tour – but playing at Wembley Stadium with Robbie Williams really stands out for me. I was supporting him on his European tour in 2013, and to have 60,000 people singing back to me and waving their hands in the air to my music was pretty special and I was overwhelmed with the reaction.
You always put on a great live show. In three words, what can fans expect from your show this time round?
FUN, UPBEAT and CHEEKY.
Tell us a bit about what it was like to captain England in this year's Soccer Aid.
It was an honour to Captain this year’s England team for Soccer Aid, as we raised a record amount of money (over £9m) in the midst of a global pandemic. I played shocking to be fair, probably my worst personal performance, but it will still be one of my most memorable Soccer Aid’s because of the circumstances in which we still managed to put it on.
You underwent an impressive body transformation during lockdown with personal trainer Rob Solly - what was your favourite bit from the experience?
To see the results of your hard work is obviously the rewarding part, but for me it was more important in how it made me feel. At the start of lockdown, while still recovering from knee surgery, I was eating anything and everything out of boredom – but that made me feel less productive and more sluggish, so having Soccer Aid as a focus to get me fit again was a real drive.
We're eagerly awaiting new music from you - can we expect it soon?
Yes, it’s been a while since I released my own music – so that’s the plan for this year. I’m starting to work on writing now and figure out what the next sound is for me, so watch this space!
-------------------------
Tickets for Olly Murs are on sale now! Don't miss out on a fantastic evening of racing & music. Buy tickets for Haydock Park here and Newmarket here.
Book with confidence! The Jockey Club Live offer a money-back guarantee if cancelled or postponed.
-------------------------
THE JOCKEY CLUB LIVE CONFIRMED 2021 EVENTS
- 11th June Nile Rodgers & Chic, Aintree Racecourse
- 18th June The Script, Newmarket Racecourses
- 19th June Tom Jones, Haydock Park Racecourse
- 25th June Rick Astley, Newmarket Racecourses
- 16th July Bryan Ferry, Newmarket Racecourses
- 17th July Olly Murs, Haydock Park Racecourse
- 23rd July Tom Jones, Newmarket Racecourses
- 28th July Nile Rodgers & Chic, Sandown Park Racecourse
- 30th July Olly Murs, Newmarket Racecourses
- 5th August Craig David, Sandown Park Racecourse
- 13th August Pete Tong & The Heritage Orchestra, Newmarket Racecourses
- 28th August McFly, Newmarket Racecourses
The Jockey Club Live events are renowned for combining a fun-filled evening at the races with a spectacular evening concert in the informal and relaxed open-air setting of the hallowed turf.
The Jockey Club racecourses’ have world-class customer facilities, featuring an array of award-winning restaurants that cater for all tastes, from fine dining through to delicious bistro food. The Jockey Club’s racecourses welcome more than 2 million people a year for some of the UK’s biggest racing events so you can be sure of a fantastic evening.
