Lulu announces ‘farewell’ UK tour following 60-year career

Iconic Scottish singer Lulu has announced a “farewell” UK tour as she calls time on her impressive 60-year career.

The Shout singer will embark on the Champagne for Lulu tour, to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the release of the famous single.

The 75-year-old star said she found going on the road ‘gruelling’, while adding she’s realised over the past 12 months that she has “changed”.

Lulu will perform at venues in Glenrothes, Aberdeen, and Glasgow before ending the tour at the London Palladium in April.

Speaking to Gyles Brandreth on his Rosebud podcast, she said: “This is actually – I’m announcing it for the first time now – this is my farewell tour, with family, and friends.

“Because last year I did a tour that was kind of gruelling – it was successful, it went well – but you need an army to be a success in your career these days.”

Lulu, who was born Marie McDonald McLaughlin Lawrie and is also known by her full name Lulu Kennedy-Cairns, has turned her hand to musical theatre, television and more across a six-decade career.

She shot to fame aged just 15 when Shout, a cover of the Isley Brothers track, became a hit and the song would go on to become her signature tune.

The singer said that surprises were in store for fans on the farewell tour.

She added: “I’m not going to tell you exactly what I’m going to do, but of course I’ll have to do Boom Bang-a-Bang. The audience want to do it by themselves anyway. You can’t not give people what they want – and more. If you’ve ever seen me on tour, just let me say, you won’t have seen me like this.”

Lulu farewell concert dates and venues

• Saturday April 6 – Glenrothes, Rothes Hall
• Sunday April 7 – Aberdeen, Music Hall
• Tuesday April 9 – Glasgow, Royal Concert Hall
• Wednesday April 10 – Manchester, The Bridgewater Hall
• Friday April 12 – Gateshead, The Glasshouse International Centre for Music
• Sunday April 14 – Southampton, Mayflower Theatre
• Monday April 15 – Birmingham, Symphony Hall
• Wednesday April 17 – London Palladium