Mike Berry

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Last Show: Thursday 11 th January 2024

The Pheasantry (Chelsea)

In a career spanning over 50 years, the exemplary rocker/balladeer Mike Berry has never stopped touring. He makes his Pheasantry debut to present music from his new double album 'True Love Ways', which includes his earlier hits, previously unheard material, as well as the Buddy Holly classic that give the CD its name. Mike’s recording debut was a cover of the Carole King/Gerry Goffin song 'Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow'?, a number 1 hit for The Shirelles. His follow up and first UK hit in 1961 was the sincere and haunting 'Tribute to Buddy Holly', now a pop classic, which earned him the title "The British Buddy Holly". Those who have endorsed that title include Sir Paul McCartney, Buddy’s original backing band The Crickets, and Buddy’s wife, Maria Elena.

In 1962, manager Brian Epstein invited Mike to headline a show featuring a relatively unknown group from Liverpool called The Beatles. John Lennon was so impressed with Mike’s voice and stage presence that he was keen to pen a song for him. However, The Beatles exploded on the music scene shortly afterwards, and sadly for Mike, the song never materialised. In retrospect, John could possibly have offered 'Bad To Me' to Mike, but this went to Billy J Kramer, another artiste in Epstein’s stable, who went on to have a number 1 hit with it.

Mike’s biggest hit 'Don’t You Think It’s Time', written by Geoff Goddard and produced by the legendary Joe Meek came in 1963. It reached number 6 in the charts.

In the 70s, the multi-talented Mike became a TV star, featuring in over fifty commercials and creating the character ‘Mr Peters’ in popular kids show Worzel Gummidge. He also played the role of ‘Mr Spooner’ in popular UK sitcom Are You Being Served?, replacing Mr Lucas (played by Trevor Bannister) behind the men’s counter at Grace Brothers.

In 1980 he earned a gold disc for his unique rendition of the 1913 composition 'The Sunshine of Your Smile', which remained in the top 10 for 12 weeks.

In February of 2016, Mike was invited to take part in BBC’s The Voice. Initially cautious that such a move would portray him as "out of place" and open to ridicule, he was persuaded to take part by manager Peter Stockton and long term friend and mentor Chas Hodges. Their advice was "you ain’t fat and bald, your voice is great, it’s called 'The Voice', so do it!" The rest is history, Mike received praise from the public and judges alike, called "A true pro!" and with many positive comments on his "great voice". His rendition of the Buddy Holly classic 'True Love Ways' was released via iTunes on Rollercoaster Records and achieved thousands of downloads.

Mike has now produced a new double album, which includes 'True Love Ways', his earlier hits and previously unheard material.

In a career spanning over 50 years, this exemplary rocker/balladeer has never stopped touring, and his extensive rock n roll repertoire is guaranteed to energise and excite every audience. Up to early 2011, he toured extensively throughout the UK with the late great Jet Harris. He received a standing ovation at every concert, a testimony to his undisputed appeal, easy going persona, and slavish attention to musical detail, the foundation to which is found in his flawless voice.

Mike views his audiences as old friends, reaching out to them visually and audibly, with an irresistible warmth, humour and innate talent; all of which accounts for his longevity as a top entertainer.

While Mike has proved he is more than capable of delivering a beautiful ballad, his original passion was always for Rock'N'Roll, and he is delighted to be sharing this passion with you , his fans and admirers.

Copyright: Peter Stockton 2016