The Roy Orbison Story

August 5, 2018 by Leigh-on-sea.com

MEET BARRY STEELE

What can the Theatre audience expect from your show The Roy Orbison Story?

I am backed in this all live multi-media show, with not only a fabulous band and musicians, but a big screen featuring both live streaming, and images from the life and times of Roy Orbison, interspersed with factoids and information about the life and times of what is considered to be one of the best singers the world has ever known. 

When did you first discover your singing abilities and their likeness to Roy Orbison’s?

It was on a family holiday in Cornwall in 2001 that I took the first steps on the road to becoming a professional singer, when my wife Lynne and daughter Leonie entered me into a singing competition without my knowledge. It was there that a fellow competitor said to me, “You know you sound just like Roy Orbison singing Robbie Williams!” so with the help of family and friends a tribute to The Big ‘O’ was born

What is your favourite Roy Orbison song?

California Blue & Leah

With so many great songs to choose from, how did you pick which ones to include in the show?

The set list has evolved over the years, and with the back catalogue Roy Orbison has it was difficult to choose, however we used feedback from the audience and of course we sing the best sellers, but there are a few surprises in this year’s show. Orbison’s songs not only have wonderful melodies and tunes, the lyrics are some of the most sublime ever written.  Not only does the music take you back in time, the songs can make you happy, sad and emotive all at the same time. Orbison is known as a balladeer, but he also recorded and performed rocky and contemporary songs. His songs are quite simply timeless.

What has been one of your fondest memories from your shows?

Touring New Zealand, meeting Wesley Orbison (Roy’s son) and duetting with Bill Dees (co-writer of Oh Pretty Woman).

Looking back, what would you say some of your career highlights have been?

As above really, but one highlight is about to happen as we make our West End Debut in December at The Adelphi Theatre. 

What have been your main challenges surrounding this production and how have you overcome them?

As we tour continuously, last year’s Aussie flu hit the cast pretty hard. But we carried on and just kept going.

What’s next for Barry Steele after The Roy Orbison Story tour?

We have no plans to stop touring; we will continue to tour the show for as long as possible, as we love it.

WWW.BARRYSTEELE.COM