The 'first lady of soul' is heading to Teesside.
PP Arnold Arnold was one of the iconic faces of London's swinging 60s scene and a firm favourite of The Rolling Stones and The Small Faces.
She's set to perform powerful soul classics from her solo career including The First Cut is the Deepest, Angel of the Morning and Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow when she walks on stage at Middlesbrough Town Hall on Wednesday, October 2.
The soul singer, who began her career as a member of Ike and Tina Turner's backing band The Ikettes, has announced that Ocean Colour Scene's Steve Cradock, who also plays guitar with Paul Weller's band, will be joining her for the highly anticipated gig.
Speaking about the gig, she said: “I've been touring the UK since 1966 and have performed in the North-east many times. My memories are of very enthusiastic audiences who love soul music, so I'm thrilled to be coming to Teesside again.
“The Middlesbrough crowds are very passionate and they're warmth has been a major source of inspiration over the years. As well as playing Middlesbrough, I've performed in Redcar and Stockton-On-Tees in the past.
“Fans can expect a show that will combine the best of my classic material and a lot of the new material from the New Adventures album that has been produced by Steve Cradock. I'm absolutely thrilled that Steve is musical directing and leading the band as he produced the album and I know that musically it's going to sound great.”
Having started her career in California in the 1960s, Arnold struck up a friendship with Mick Jagger while on tour with the Rolling Stones and he convinced her to start a solo career.
Her bold move paid off, and over a five-decade career, PP Arnold has worked with musical legends such as Jagger, Rod Stewart, Barry Gibb and Eric Clapton.
PP Arnold, featuring Steve Cradock, will appear at Middlesbrough Town Hall Crypt on Wednesday, October 2. Tickets cost £20 (plus booking fee). For more information and to buy tickets visit www.middlesbroughtownhall.co.uk .
