Bonnie Tyler guests with Only Men Aloud at Cardiff International Arena
Lucky ticket-holders to Only Men Aloud’s sell-out concert at Cardiff International Arena on Saturday 2nd May were treated to a special surprise performance from Bonnie Tyler.
Only Men Aloud wowed a packed audience with a dazzling performance on home-ground at Cardiff’s CIA. Not only were the audience treated to sensational choral singing and theatrical choreography but also the surprise appearance of a star guest. Welsh legend Bonnie Tyler took to the stage to join her fellow countrymen for a very special rendition of ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’. Speaking after last night’s show Bonnie Tyler said, “Having heard how well the guys had performed in their opening concert in Swansea and that their UK wide tour was a sell out, I couldn’t wait to perform with them in Cardiff. The choir and the crowd were amazing!”
Bonnie Tyler was the first Welsh artist to achieve a Number One single in the United States. Only Men Aloud's Music Director and Founder, Tim Rhys-Evans, said "It’s a real honour that iconic singers such as Bonnie Tyler want to perform with Only Men Aloud, she is a true Welsh singing legend and it’s a dream to have her in our show.”
Last night’s star guest appearance was an exclusive for the audience at Cardiff International Arena, which is one of three Welsh venues on the sell-out UK tour schedule. The Cardiff show was a complete sell out, selling almost 5000 thousand tickets and could have done at least two nights. Phil Sheeran, General Manager of Cardiff International Arena, said “We knew Only Men Aloud would sell well at the Arena, but to sell over four thousand tickets is a massive indictment to their massive popularity. To sell out the Arena is an amazing feat and I’m thrilled for them!’
Since being crowned the Nation’s favourite choir last summer, Only Men Aloud have had an incredible eight months, securing a multi-million pound five-album deal with Universal Records along the way. Their self-titled debut album went Gold in the first week, they have performed at the Royal Variety Show and they will soon be returning to the USA for the second time this year. After two sell-out shows at Wales Millennium Centre last December, Only Men Aloud’s current tour sees them visit some of Britain’s greatest venues, including a performance at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, in London’s West End on Sunday 3rd May.
Tim Rhys-Evans said “Never would we have thought that a year on from performing in the first round of BBC’s Last Choir Standing we would be performing live to over thirty five thousand people across the UK on our first national tour. We just want to thank all our supporters who have allowed us to do what we love doing most, performing and recording albums. Our second album is out this year!”
Audience members of the Only Men Aloud Tour have quoted: “We are a nation of choirs, but none can compete with Only Men Aloud!”; “They are absolute all-rounders, intelligent, musical and highly entertaining. They have made choral singing fashionable”; “Only Men Aloud have an infectious feel good factor. I came out of the theatre beaming with happiness.”
But it’s not all glamour for the boys, whilst touring the country they are travelling back to Wales to record their second album, which is due to be released later in the year. The album will celebrate Only Men Aloud’s Welsh heritage, with all of the recording being done in their homeland.