Tony Christie’s homecoming ‘Farewell to Amarillo’ concert coming to Mayo

TONY Christie, the legendary singer, musician and actor, is set to pay a nostalgic, emotional and memorable visit to the town of his forefathers with a special ‘Farewell to Amarillo’ tour concert finale at Claremorris Town Hall Theatre on Friday, November 21.

This is more than just a concert, it’s a celebration of over 50 years of music, memories and moments that defined generations, and it’s his only show outside of Dublin.

Best known for a number of big hit songs such as ‘(Is this the way to) Amarillo’, ‘I did what I did for Maria’ and ‘Avenues & Alleyways’ from the 1970s, Tony is proud of his Mayo roots.

He continues to record and perform and is regularly on tour across Britain and Europe. Tony’s entertainment company is called Mayo Music Ltd., and managed by his son Sean.

Tony’s grandfather, Martin Thomas Fitzgerald (b.1890), was born at Carrowkilleen, Hollymount, and he and his family moved from Carrowsteelaun to Convent Road in Claremorris in the early 1900s.

Martin, better known as Thomas, left the west to emigrate to Yorkshire to work in the coal mines, and his grandson Anthony (Tony) Fitzgerald (Christie) was born in Conisbrough, Doncaster, on April 25, 1943.

Tony’s interest in music stems from his father Martin’s collection of 78’s records from the likes of Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald, as well as generous helpings of traditional Irish music, played at numerous ‘céilí house’ venues in the area.

Over the decades, Tony has recorded over 40 albums, 70 singles and toured all over the world.

On looking forward to the nostalgic trip back to Claremorris with his family, Tony commented: “I always look forward to returning to the birthplace of my forefathers, which holds a strong place in my heart, since my young days in Yorkshire. It’s great to have the opportunity to sing in front of my own people, as it were, and once again meet up with friends that we have met in recent years.”

During previous visits to Mayo, Tony was grand marshal at the Claremorris St. Patrick’s Day parade and more recently was inducted with the Cong Hands of Fame Award.

Promoted by Pat Egan Management, the event is dedicated by Tony and the Fitzgerald family as a fundraiser for the proposed new Claremorris Community Sports & Recreational Centre.

Ticket prices are from €45 (standard) to €100 (premium), plus booking fees, with doors open from 7 p.m. and the concert starting at 8 p.m.

Premium ticket purchasers will enjoy a VIP package, including a special ‘meet and greet’ session with Tony after the Friday night show, front row seats at the concert, as well as a special gift bag with signed memorabilia.

Tony and family members look forward to meeting each premium ticket holder - his ultimate fans.

“Get ready for an intimate evening drenched in timeless hits, captivating stories and the kind of showmanship that only Tony Christie can deliver,” said Pat Egan.

“This special show features iconic songs that had dance floors buzzing for decades, to beloved gems. Tony’s setlist is a masterclass in feel-good nostalgia. He’s even throwing in some spine-tingling covers of the artists who inspired his incredible career, alongside his heart-warming new single 'Thank You For Being A Friend'.

"Tony has lit up the world’s most famous stages and now he’s bringing that same magic to Ireland for one final hurrah.”

Tickets are on sale at townhall.ie.

Special ‘farewell concert’ weekend accommodation offers are available at the McWilliam Park Hotel - contact them directly on (094) 9378000.