RUSS BALLARD & HIS ALL STAR BAND
"HE CAN DO MAGIC" TOUR 2027
When Russ Ballard hits the stage, it promises to be far more than a concert, but an encounter with one of Britain's most talented and treasured songwriters in the rock and pop world. He even wrote “The Lost City” for The Shadows when he was 14 years old!
From his early years, together with long time close friend drummer Bob Henrit, playing lead guitar with Adam Faith's backing band, The Roulettes, and discovering Sandie Shaw on the way, he and Bob joined Unit 4 + 2 in 1967, leading to a Number 1 hit "Concrete & Clay".
Russ was poached to join Rod Argent's newly evolving post Zombies band Argent, as vocalist and lead guitarist. After several successful years including their monster hit "Hold Your Head Up" and of course “God Gave Rock And Roll To You” (written by Ballard), the band decided to split and Bob together with bass player Jim Rodford joined a latter day version of The Kinks.
This is when Russ really came into his own as a solo artist and songwriter.
Having built on his success, after writing several hit songs for Argent Russ then decided to pursue a solo and songwriting career which is still ongoing with numerous album releases under his own name (Remember “Voices” and “In The Night” from Miami Vice) and also with a host of luminaries including Roger Daltrey, Leo Sayer, Elkie Brooks, America and many more.
Russ Ballard is touring in 2027, having recently released a new double CD "Songs from the Warehouse" which includes some amazing new material as well as versions of the many hits written for other artists.
Russ's compositions are far too numerous to list but here is a selection most of which are featured in the live show.
Since You've Been Gone..… Rainbow
God Gave Rock ’n’ Roll To You….Kiss
Liar... Three Dog Night/Graham Bonnet
So You Win Again....Hot Chocolate
You Can Do Magic....America
No More The Fool....Elkie Brooks
New York Groove....Ace Frehley (Kiss)
Free Me....Roger Daltrey
I Don't Believe In Miracles...Colin Blunstone
I Surrender....Rainbow
Winning/Nowhere To Run....Santana
Someday We'll Be Together….Pointer Sisters
Can't Shake Loose.....Agnetha (Abba)
I Know There's Something Going On Frida (Abba)
Plus a multitude of others.....
Russ's All Star Band features:
Paul Bond (Lead guitar, b/vocals)
Producer, engineer, lecturer. Best known for his current guitar work with Jeff Wayne's The War of the Worlds and guitar tech with Ozzy Osbourne
P.J.Phillips (Bass, b/vocals)
Over 8 years with international superstar violin virtuoso Vanessa Mae touring the world. Credits include Tom Jones, Take That, Dolly Parton, Lisa Stansfield, Rod Stewart, Then Jerico. Over 20 appearances on "Top of the Pops" !
John Miller (Drums) Endless credits including Saint Etienne, Gabrielle, Hugh Cornwall, Then Jerico, The Blow Monkeys.
Marc Rapson (Musical Director, keyboards, b/vocals) Extended recording and live work with Kim Wilde & Kenny Thomas.
Over the years Russ Ballard has become a National Treasure and a Grammy nominated artist.
One of the most revered songwriters this country has ever produced, never resting on his laurels and still continues to produce top quality material both in the studio and on the live stage.
The accolades are endless and recent reviews have been unanimous in their praise.
A RARE ARTIST THAT LEAVES THE AUDIENCE SPELLBOUND, HE CAN DO MAGIC!
