TV Times

Billy Ocean to perform in Colombo

By Sanath Weerasuriya

Popular Caribbean singing sensation Billy Ocean will come alive in Colombo on 14 February 2012, on the Valentine’s Day at the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Center (SLECC) in Colombo.

Gold FM, known for being at the top of their game and always bringing the best in music and entertainment to their loyal listeners, will once again prove their superiority with a stellar concert on 14 February- featuring Billy Ocean, supported by his top-notch 14 member band. The Grammy-award winning- ‘Caribbean Queen’ fame Billy will be in action at a one off show in Sri Lanka.

Billy Ocean’s period of greatest success began with ‘Suddenly’ during 1984, and its main single, ‘Caribbean Queen’. The song’s title and lyrics were changed for different regions, so the song is also known as ‘African Queen’ or ‘European Queen’. The song won Ocean the Grammy for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance at the 1985 Grammy Awards.

Followed by his mega hit ‘When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going’ in 1986 (the theme from Michael Douglas film The Jewel of the Nile); this was a number one success in the UK and a number two in the U.S.; and ‘There’ll Be Sad Songs (To Make You Cry)’ (a U.S. number one, and also a major UK success). Also included were the title track ‘Love Zone’ and ‘Love is Forever’, both became major hits world wide.

Billy was a huge favourite in Sri Lanka during his days in 80’s and 90’s. Born Leslie Sebastian Charles in Trinidad and Tobago to Grenadian parents, his earliest introduction to music came from his father who was also a musician. He took his stage name from the Ocean Estate in Stepney, where he was living at the time.

The song ‘Lover Boy’, who’s sold over 30 million records in his lifetime, will croon and serenade you with all your favourites on Valentines Day 2012 at the SLECC from 7.00pm onwards. ‘Love Really Hurts Without You’- Billy Ocean’s breakthrough hit in 1976. It hit No.2 in the UK charts and No. 12 in the US. Followed by popular hits ‘Are You Ready’ and ‘Stay The Night’.

Loverboy – Billy Ocean’s second single from his 1984 album ‘Suddenly’. Billi’s 1988 song ‘Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car’ went to number 1 on the U.S. In 2004, ‘Caribbean Queen’ was re-released as a digital single for its 20th anniversary, shooting up to No.25 on the Billboard digital singles chart and garnering radio play across the US and UK. A remix of the single by Will.I.Am was released in 2005. In October 2007, Ocean commenced his first UK tour in over 15 years. His latest album, ‘Because I Love You’ was released on 2 February 2009.

On 29 July 2011, Ocean became a Companion of the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. His title was presented by Sir Paul McCartney. Witness a regular Valentine’s Day transform into a historical night that’s bound to be etched in your memory for a long time and it’s all by GOLD FM.

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