Smokie frontman to be remembered with 20th anniversary concert

Alan Barton, formerly of Black Lace and pub-rock legends Smokie, died 20 years ago this March, and his son, from Mirfield, is putting on the best tribute he can give him.

A memorial concert, which will take place in St George’s Hall, Bradford, will feature Spirit of Smokie, a tribute act fronted by Alan’s son Dean.

Alan Barton had chart success with Black Lace, hitting the number two spot in 1983 with Agadoo, and having further top 10s with Do the Conga and Superman.

In 1986 Alan started the new era of Smokie – and the band had worldwide success with hits such as Living Next Door to Alice and If You Think You Know how to Love Me.

With the six albums he made with Smokie he was the focal point of the band’s new-found success.

This was an era that found a sudden end with Alan’s death on March 23 1995 when, during touring, he was involved in a fatal bus crash.

Later that year, at just 19 years old, Dean Barton, Alan’s eldest son, was on the stage of St George’s Hall for a charity concert in honour of his late father.

And now, 20 years later, Dean wants to celebrate his father’s life with an anniversary memorial concert to raise money for the Yorkshire Children’s Trust.

The Spirit of Smokie features Dean as the lead-singer and guitarist, along with other surviving members of the band including guitarist Graham Kearns and drummer Ron Kelly.

Special guests are also set to be announced for the show.

As well as the Spirit of Smokie, Dean will play a number of tracks from his album, Gravity.

The performance takes place on March 19 in St George’s Hall, Bradford. Prices are £18.50 and £16.50 for concessions.

All proceeds will go towards the charity.

For more information, visit www.spiritofsmokie.co.uk. For tickets, visit www.bradford-theatres.co.uk.