80s music icon to perform nostalgic set in major hometown return-Metro Reporter-Entertainment – Metro

He’s celebrating the 40th anniversary of four of Frankie Goes To Hollywood’s most iconic hits (Picture: Supplied)

Music legend Holly Johnson will return to his home city this summer to perform an iconic Frankie Goes To Hollywood set at a major festival.

The legendary Power of Love singer has promised to rock the city with a bumper edition of his iconic tunes on the 40th anniversary of their release. 

Johnson, who rose to prominence with Frankie Goes To Hollywood in the 1980s with smash-hit singles Relax and Two Tribes, will headline the opening Friday night of the four-day ‘Liverpool Celebrates’ festival which will also see performances from The Lightning Seeds, China Crisis and The Jacksons – who are flying to the UK especially for the event.

Johnson said: ‘I always love performing in Liverpool and I am really looking forward to the Liverpool Celebrates Festival. There’s a brilliant line up over the entire August bank holiday weekend.

‘The city’s music heritage is well known all over the world. I suppose this is another event which shines a light on it, and it is lovely to be asked to be part of it as the headline Friday act alongside a whole host of amazing Liverpool and international bands. 

‘I’ll be performing all of my greatest hits on the opening night in front of thousands of people next to the Liver Building. I am sure there will be a few Liver Birds in the crowd too! 

Frankie Goes to Hollywood had hits with Relax, Two Tribes, The Power of Love and Welcome To The Pleasuredome (Photo by Paul Natkin/Getty Images)

‘There is a brilliant buzz around Liverpool and a great energy. I felt it when I performed at the special Eurovision opening ceremony at St George’s Hall last year. 

‘I’ve got a few festivals this year but the biggest will be performing in Liverpool which is always special and even more so this year with it being the 40th anniversary of Relax, Two Tribes, The Power Of Love and the Welcome To The Pleasuredome album topping the charts. I also have an exhibition at The Museum Of Liverpool in September.’

Taking place across the August Bank Holiday (Friday 23 – Monday 26 August), Liverpool Celebrates commemorates the 10 year anniversary of the last Mathew Street Festival, with The Jacksons, now comprised of brothers Jackie, Tito and Marlon, set to headline the Saturday, joined by a spectacular 10 piece live band.

The Jacksons will perform legendary tracks such as Blame It On The Boogie, I Want You Back, ABC and Can You Feel It after Boyzlife – the Brian McFadden and Keith Duffy supergroup -rock the Pier with acclaimed Boyzone and Westlife number ones.

The Liverpool Celebrates Festival is set to attract thousands of visitors to the city and will provide a huge boost to the local economy, shining a light on the world-famous musical heritage of Liverpool.

Tickets are available now at www.liverpoolcelebrates.com

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