Brian Kennedy comes home

Brian is an artist who has it all, blessed with a multitude of talents: singer, songwriter, guitarist, and a born communicator which is obvious from his live concerts where he takes his audiences on a roller coaster ride for two hours.

It has been quite a journey since the young aspiring musician from Belfast penned 'Captured' in 1990, which is regarded as his signature tune.

Each year, along the way has been an exciting and progressive step from representing Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest to touring and performing with Van Morrison's Blues & Soul World Tour, to his inspiring and powerful performance at George Best's funeral, to performing at events in honour of President Bill Clinton, not to mention appearing in Riverdance On Broadway for almost 300 performances.

With a tour of Australia and New Zealand already under his belt this year and his autobiography due to be released in October, 2010 is shaping up to be an exciting year for the singer, who is thrilled to be back in his home city next month.

"I always look forward to playing in Belfast and it is always a thrill to play in the Waterfront Hall," said Brian. "When I started singing that building didn't even exist.

"It is extraordinary that I've made ten albums in the last twenty years.

"It is a hard thing to imagine when you are starting out," he continued.

"It was such a huge leap of faith for me at the start and I never take anything for granted.

"I think it was all down to naivety, hard work, a big dollop of luck and being in the right place at the right time.

"There was no plan B for me. It was singing or nothing. I can't imagine doing anything else."

Despite performing for over two decades now, Brian still loves being on stage and always takes the opportunity to meet with his many fans after the show.

"I still get the same thrill as I did at the start, maybe an even bigger thrill," he explained. "After a show I always do a signing and it can last almost as long as the show itself.

"It seems strange to me that more performers don't take time to meet their fans.

"These are the people who make it possible for me to be where I am. There are people who have been coming for twenty years and that is not lost on me," he added.

First-timer, or seasoned fan, nothing can prepare you for the moment when the lights go down, and Brian appears on stage. You see that smile, and hear that 'voice to charm the angels' and there's no turning back.

Brian will be joined at the Waterfront by singer songwriter Juliet Turner, who is renowned for her beautiful voice and fine lyrics.

Tickets for the show on Thursday June 17 are on sale now from the Waterfront Box Office and all usual Ticketmaster outlets.

The Star has two pairs of tickets to giveaway to the Waterfront show on June 17. To be in with a chance of winning, answer this simple question: In what year did Brian Kennedy pen his signature tune 'Captured'? Send your answer, together with name, address and daytime telephone number to Brian Kennedy Competition, Ulster Star, 12A Bow Street, Lisburn, BT28 1BN. Alternatively, email your answer, together with name and contact details, to [email protected]. The closing date for entries is Wednesday June 2.