Steve Mitchell - George Michael

Steve’s love of singing came from a very early age.

Encouraged by his father, a professional classical pianist and his mother a soprano, music was a big thing in the Mitchell household.

The year of 1984 was an influential turning point for 14-year-old Steve, he  discovered the music of George Michael through a screening on MTV with “Everything she wants”

Over the next 30 years, Steve followed George Michael in a fanatical fashion, always singing his songs but not on any public performances. Steve performed in many cover and show bands in the UK and even a 5-year spell in the United States for a touring show band on the casino circuit in Texas and Louisiana, but never covered George Michael.

A “now or never” moment in 2017 pushed Steve to apply for a touring show looking for a vocalist to sing the songs of George Michael. Since that moment, Steve has committed to celebrating George’s music and has performed all over the UK and in Europe.

Steve first met Dave West at a performance at the Clapham Grand Theatre in London in the summer of 2018, and from that day Steve and Dave have built a great friendship.

“The experience of teaming up with Dave on the georgemichael.show is very exciting. Dave’s association with George Michael in those very early days is a wonderful story and very special. And the musicians on these concerts are so talented and I’m excited to show fans everywhere my passion and love in these performances of George’s brilliant songs.”… Steve Mitchell

Dave West - Bass

Dave “Westy” West is an experienced bassist who has worked mainly with pop, funk, soul and R&B acts. He started his career in the early 80’s as a guitarist and quickly moved to bass when offered a European tour with a local band.

His first notable sessions were with George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley when he played on the original demos for Careless Whisper and Wham Rap. These and other songs such as Club Tropicana, Bad Boys and Love Machine were also the basis for early rehearsals which included George, Dave and brothers, Andrew and Paul Ridgeley.

George also introduced Dave to Hazel O’Connor, who he continued to play with (and later produce) for over 10 years. He has also worked with Bonnie Tyler, Boy George, Pete Cox (Go West), Samantha Fox, LTJ Bukhem, The Q-Tips and many others. He was also honoured to work with the legends Brian Bennett and Brian May on a version of “Move it” for Sir Cliff. 

Until now, Dave had politely turned down the many offers to join any Wham! or George Michael “tributes”. But after seeing Steve Mitchell’s impressive performance as George, they became firm friends and Steve asked Dave to join him to produce a show “Celebrating George Michael”. 

“I hope that you enjoy this celebration of George and his music. I am so very proud and honoured to be a part of it and I thank and dedicate these performances to George who did so much to help my career.”… Westy

Jay Patel - Keyboards

Jay is an experienced player who continues to work on a number of projects, including his much-loved soul/funk band in and around the home counties. His credits include Carl Mackintosh of the band Loose Ends whose hits included “Hanging on a string”.

Jay just loves playing so much and especially with the exciting new Celebrating George Michael show­­­­­­­. “They are all great musicians”

In addition to that,  by day, Jay is a Chartered Engineer and manages a team who plans wireless systems for all major music, sporting, royal and other events in the UK.

Bucket list includes.  Playing at Glastonbury & Ronnie Scott’s.

Ray Uren - Guitar

Ray took up the guitar aged twelve and was influenced by a host of different players before gravitating towards the sound of LA session musicians who tended to work for the songs they were performing on rather than themselves.

Over many years he has honed his skills in various bands playing at a host of prestigious venues developing proficiency in many different styles of music.

In recent years has played with show band ” Souled Out” entertaining private and corporate clients up and down the country as well as other top venues throughout Europe.

Now, as the featured guitarist with Celebrating George Michael, he has the opportunity to put his skills garnered over those years to good use with the broad spectrum of material played by George during his career.

Ray is also the band practical joker!

Deano Rice - Drums

Deano has been playing drums in venues up and down the country since he was 13 years old. Over the years he has picked up all styles of drumming from pop, rock and funk all the way to jazz and reggae and just about everything in between.

Due to this huge array of versatility he has played for many bands over the country.

Deano is also in high demand for his abilities in the studio, playing and recording sessions for many artists in the UK and internationally.

He is also a vocalist and plays guitar, bass and keys making himself a valuable musical asset to a number of bands.  But, drums are his number one instrument and is where his heart lies.

Deano also turns up for rehearsals and shows sporting one of his many caps… So, keep an eye out to see what he’s wearing next!

Lester Osborne - Percussion

As an accomplished and much sought after percussionist, Lester has worked with some of the best society/party and Latin bands on the circuit. This includes bands such as M.I.B, The Talent, Mixed feelings, Rollacoaster, Bamboleo, Tropicalia and many more.

Lester has played and recorded all over the world including Spain, Italy, France, Cuba, New York, and of course in the UK.  

He has also graced the stages of many prestigious venues including the Albert Hall, Houses of Parliament and Alnwick Castle, and performing to the likes of David and Victoria Beckham, H.R.H Prince of Wales, John Travolta, Camilla Parker Bowles, World Champion Boxer Roberto Duran, Jonathan Ross, The Sultan of Oman.

We are so pleased that Lester will be joining us on some of the shows.

Alisha Ayles - Backing Vocals

Alisha is a Hampshire-based vocalist who graduated ACM with a first-class honours degree and has been performing since she was a child.

From performing in a girl band in her teen years to gigging most weekends at weddings up and down the country, music has been her passion her whole life. 70’s/80’s music is her favourite and says that “getting to replicate the music of George is a real pleasure”.

Alisha is also the Celebrate George Michael main vocal arranger working with the rest of the singers (including Steve) to help achieve that great George sound.

Emma Skelly - Backing Vocals

“Skelly” is a freelance session singer and vocal arranger based in London. Having grown up surrounded by music and starting singing lessons from a young age.

She has since completed a degree in professional vocal performance and now works in all aspects of the industry, from singing backing vocals for artists or as the front woman for various bands to writing and recording her own and others’ music.

Emma has had the opportunity to perform in venues ranging from the Royal Albert Hall to Disneyland and for the BBC, performing music ranging from Classical and Choral music to Pop and R&B.

Her original music falls under the artist name Skelly which she shares with her brother; a trumpet player by trade, but together, they write, produce and record everything.

Their full album is set to come out in the autumn, following the success of their debut EP.


Celebrating George Michael Dates

      More dates to be announced soon.

 

Fri
26
Apr
Celebrating George Michael
St. Mary's Arts Centre, Strand St, Sandwich CT13 9HN
Website
Tickets
Sat
27
Apr
Celebrating George Michael
The Pavilion, Harbour St, Broadstairs CT10 1EU
Website
Tickets
Fri
24
May
Celebrating George Michael
Stag Theatre, London Rd, Sevenoaks TN13 1ZZ
Website
Tickets
Fri
05
Jul
Celebrating George Michael
Brindley Theatre, High St, Runcorn WA7 1BG
Sat
07
Sep
Celebrating George Michael
Yeadon Town Hall Theatre, High St, Yeadon, Leeds LS19 7PP
Website
Tickets

Steve has the voice of George Michael, so uncanny and incredible.

Close your eyes and its George Michael.

BBC Radio Surrey

Steve Mitchell, who takes on the mantle of George Michael, sounds uncannily like him and the attention to detail is very noticeable.

South West Londoner

Steve’s voice is on point,he sounds just like George Michael

BBC South Today

It is like listening to George himself! I am sure George is watching and feeling very pleased with the performance. Fantastic show!

Julie Baker

Contact Us & Celebrate George Michael

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