Elkie Brooks has been top of the hit parade for an incredible 65 years.
While many artists of her age (21 again, thank you very much) will long have settled for letting their greatest hits speak for themselves, the musician is still performing.
But not for much longer.
Next year, Elkie Brooks will be coming to Reading’s The Hexagon theatre as part of her Long Farewell Tour.
The show will be a celebration of Elkie Brooks’ award-winning career in music, and see her perform some of her biggest hits, including Pearl’s A Singer, Lilac Wine, and Fool (If You think It’s Over) Don’t Cry Out Loud.
And Elkie Brooks isn’t just looking back: the show will feature songs from a new album currently in the works.
Who is Elkie Brooks?
A teenage jazz singer who burst onto the scene in 1960, Elkie Brooks has always been known as an exceptional performer with an unmistakable voice that has captivated audiences worldwide.
She really has earned the title of ‘British Queen Of Blues’: performing on the Manchester club circuit since she was 15.
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An appearance on the TV talent show Opportunity Knocks led to touring with bands such as The Beatles and The Animals, and singing with the band Dada.
In the mid-1970s, she had hits with songs including Pearl’s a Singer, while teaming up with Robert Palmer for the band Vinegar Joe.
In her solo career, she has released more than 20 albums – an impressive number for a girl from Salford.
When will Elkie Brooks be performing in Reading and how do I get tickets?
Elkie Brooks will be visiting Reading on Sunday, October 18, 2026 – yes, that is next year. The show starts at 7.30pm and takes place at The Hexagon in Queens Walk, Reading.
Tickets will cost £46.
They have already gone on sale to Hexagon members, and can be ordered by calling the box office on 0118 960 6060 or logging on to whatsonreading.com. They go on general sale from 10am on Tuesday, June 3.
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