Lulu Confirms Farewell UK Tour in ITV’s Lorraine Announcement

 

As Lulu gears up to commence her ‘Champagne for Lulu’ tour, a celebration of her illustrious 60-year career, the Scottish singing icon has disclosed that this will mark a ‘farewell’.

During her appearance on ITV’s Lorraine on Wednesday morning, the Glasgow-born megastar shared insights into the upcoming tour and what fans can anticipate.

At 75, Lulu acknowledged that her previous extensive tour was physically demanding, leading her to decide to redirect her focus towards other aspects of her career. Speaking to fellow Scottish icon Lorraine Kelly, she revealed, “By the way, this is the first time I’ve said this, but this is a farewell tour.”

“It’s a farewell tour with family and friends, which leaves a little ‘who what when’ because I did a tour last year that was gruelling for many reasons, but I thought I’m 75! And I don’t feel it but I am!”

“I thought it’s got to be a celebration because, you know how much I love my music, but the tour was… I thought ‘I’m not touring again, I’ll do gigs but I want to work and keep working but the way I want to!'”

“I’m going to do an album with very interesting people,” she added.

Lorraine pressed the Shout legend, inquiring, “It’s not like Lulu is going to stop? You’re just going to stop the big tours?”

Lulu cryptically responded, “This is a celebration. I start in Glasgow, I do two warm-up gigs, one in Glenrothes and one in Aberdeen, before I go to my hometown! I haven’t lived in Glasgow for years, but it’s still my hometown!”

She further hinted that fans might witness Take That’s Gary Barlow joining the tour, as they have been close friends since her guest appearance on the group’s 1993 hit, Relight My Fire.

Lorraine probed, “You mentioned there’s going to be friends… we cannot mention who is going to be there…”

Lulu enthusiastically shared the news that Gary Barlow had given her a call, hinting at the possibility of his involvement in her future plans. Despite nearing the end of her touring ventures, she expressed having numerous exciting ideas still in development. The singer, known for her role in the 2023 comedy drama “Arthur’s Whisky” alongside Diane Keaton and Patricia Hodge, disclosed her contemplation of a permanent transition into acting. This decision was influenced by advice from her friend, Scottish “Succession” star Brian Cox.

In a discussion with Lorraine, Lulu clarified that “Champagne for Lulu” marked a celebratory farewell to touring. Although aware that her dedicated fanbase might be disappointed with this shift, she emphasised her intention to delve further into acting. Responding to Lorraine’s surprise at her limited acting history, Lulu shared Brian Cox’s consistent encouragement for her to pursue more acting roles.

Lulu elaborated on Cox’s advice, stating, “If you’re going to act, you’ve got to be very truthful and prepared to be really vulnerable. When I was younger, I had the fear of exposing myself. Now, I feel the desire to take on roles that push me deeper and make me more vulnerable. To be a great actress, you have to be brave.”

The upcoming “Champagne For Lulu” UK tour is set to feature six live dates in April. Starting in her hometown of Glasgow, the tour will progress through Manchester, Southampton, Gateshead, Birmingham, and conclude at The London Palladium.

Before embarking on the upcoming tour, Lulu is set to host special warm-up shows in Glenrothes and Aberdeen.

Lulu’s illustrious showbiz career boasts numerous accolades, including winning Eurovision, contributing as a Bond Theme singer, releasing the best-selling record in the US (‘To Sir With Love’ in 1967), and achieving the distinction of being one of the first pop artists to perform behind the Iron Curtain in Poland.

Her accomplishments extend further with the honour of receiving an OBE, inaugurating the closing ceremony for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, securing a No1 hit with Take That (the biggest boyband since The Beatles), and continuing her success with a two-night performance at the Hollywood Bowl last summer.

Tickets for the special warm-up shows go on sale at 10 am on Friday, January 24, available here.

Tickets for the ‘Champagne For Lulu’ UK tour are currently on sale, accessible here.