Andy Bell, the legendary voice behind synth-pop duo Erasure, is embarking on his very first solo tour across North America, with a highly anticipated stop at Vancouver's historic Vogue Theatre on December 3.
A Milestone Solo Performance
This concert marks a significant moment for Bell's career, as it will be the first time he has ever performed in Vancouver without his Erasure co-founder, Vince Clarke. The iconic duo, which will celebrate an impressive 40 years of music-making next year, has kept Bell busy with collaborative projects, making this solo venture a rare and special occasion for fans.
Bell is using the tour to promote his third solo album, Ten Crowns, his first new solo work in 15 years. He has also released three recordings under the stage name Torsten. The new album was produced by Grammy-winning dance producer Dave Audé, known for his work with global superstars like Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and U2.
The Creation of Ten Crowns
Bell revealed that the album was born from unexpected free time during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the cancellation of the last Erasure tour. His initial plan was to create a compilation of his remixes and collaborations, but the project evolved into a full-fledged album when new songs began to emerge.
Ten Crowns was recorded in Nashville with Audé and features contributions from Vince Clarke and a roster of talented backing vocalists. The album is a unique fusion of pulsating Eurodisco, gospel influences, and subtle country tones.
A deluxe box set titled The Crown Jewels is scheduled for release on December 12. This expansive collection will include remixes of the new tracks, covers of classics like Olivia Newton-John's "Xanadu," and a live performance, all stemming from the productive Nashville sessions.
An Unexpected Tour and a Dynamic New Band
Interestingly, Bell did not originally plan to tour for this album. The decision came about after further discussions with producer Dave Audé. Bell now tours with a band of Nashville-based musicians selected by Audé, including guitarist Jerry Fuentes, drummer Sarah Tomek, and vocalist Chelsea King-Blank.
Bell describes the dynamic as exciting, noting the contrast between his identity as a "white, gay electro boy" and the seasoned Nashville players. He praises the group's energy, talent, and the fresh, dynamic sound they create together.
For the live show, Audé has reprogrammed the stems for classic Erasure tracks, which Clarke provided, putting a new stamp on the familiar songs. The setlist promises to blend club-ready bangers with spiritually-tinged tracks like "Breaking Through the Interstellar," offering a visceral live experience. The group has already tested their material in prestigious venues, including a performance at Nashville's new Grand Ole Opry, a stage Erasure had previously graced in its original incarnation.
