The Osmonds Are Back
The Enquirer
by Michelle Norris
July 14, 2011
Submitted by Diane Leigh
It’s been more than five decades since The Osmond Brothers first took to the stage.
Breaking box office records, while recording over 200 albums, with 59 gold and platinum recordings and even receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, The Osmond Brothers have been living the good life.
But now, the brothers are switching off their microphones and stepping down from the stage – The Osmond Brothers are calling it a day...well, not before one last tour of the UK that is!
Taking on 50 dates across the nation, the tour promises to take fans on a journey through many of their unforgettable hits – from classics such as One Bad Apple, Down by the Lazy River right through to Love Me for a Reason, Crazy Horses and Jimmy Osmond’s number one hit Long Haired Lover from Liverpool.
“This tour is a little bit different,” explains Jimmy, the youngest of the brothers. “We’re used to playing in big arenas, but this time it’s really up close and personal and I think it’s going to be a lot of fun. We can be more loose and get to interact with the audience, so we’ll have the chance to change the show on what the audience wants. It’s just great fun being with my brothers.”
Indeed, the US family are famed for being a close family unit. But even the most famous and friendliest families still have their moments of weakness.
“Like any family, we don’t get on all of the time,” confesses Jimmy. “But for us, family will always come first, ahead of our careers.”
And this final tour comes as a bitter sweet end for Jimmy, who will be performing for the last time with his brothers Merrill, Wayne and Jay.
“It may be the end of a five decade era of working together,” says the 48-year-old from California. “But don’t worry, I’ll never quit – even if you beg me to!”
In fact, Jimmy is no stranger to exploring new avenues here in the UK. Recognised for his time on the 2005 series of I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, a special of Come Dine With Me, as well as performances in Pantomime and London’s West End, there seems to be no stopping Jimmy from bringing the Osmond magic over seas.
“I love the UK, I’d live here full time if I could,” he enthuses. “I actually have family history in Wales and I love the pantomimes. People are so nice and welcoming.
“My life has been a true mish mash of weird events and I don’t know what the future holds,” he adds. “But my highlight, as cheesy as it sounds, is having the best fans and friends in the world.”
Up Close & Personal: The Osmonds Final UK Tour comes to the Cliffs Pavilion in Southend on 24 March 2012. For tickets, call the Box Office on 01702 351135.
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