DOUG PARKINSON BRINGS HIS JOE COCKER TRIBUTE TO TOWN They lived on opposite sides of the world, but gravel-voiced Englishman Joe Cocker and equally-gritty Australian vocalist Doug Parkinson had many things in common. Both were born in steel towns – Cocker in Sheffield and Parkinson in Newcastle; both had hits with The Beatles songs – Cocker’s With A Little Help From My Friends and Parkinson’s Dear Prudence. Both were born with unmistakable voices, and both lived rockstar lifestyles tainted by drug and alcohol abuse that jeopardized their health and often got them into trouble with authority. So it made sense that, a year after the Englishman’s death, Doug Parkinson honours the achievements of Cocker, backed by some of the finest Rhythm‘n’Blues musicians in the land. A handful of live sellout shows and a standing ovation at concerts are proof that this tribute is something very special.
“I’m a completely different singer to Joe Cocker,� Parkinson says. “Our styles are poles apart, yet the common perception is that we are very similar. The punters want to hear the songs again, sung by a voice that reminds them of the original.� Parkinson said he hasn’t attempted to copy Cocker’s twitchy visual antics, leaving that to his imitators. “It’s completely about the music – I like to think that somehow I’m helping to preserve his memory and the respect that is his due,� he adds. Adding another element to the mix, the opening half of the show features Parkinson’s own impressive hits and favourites. Audiences clearly believe the “two sides of the same coin� format is a winner. Doug Parkinson is bringing his Joe Cocker tribute show to the Frankston Arts Centre on Saturday, 18th June. Tickets available from (03) 9784 1060 or at www.thefac.com.au.
DOUG PARKINSON AUSTRALIA’S GREATEST SOUL VOICE & HIS EIGHT PIECE BAND
HONOURS
JOE COCKER
“A ROLLED GOLD SUPERSTAR� THE AUSTRALIAN
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