67 YEARS IN MUSIC. MORE THAN 60,000 TOUR TICKETS SOLD. A LANDMARK ROYAL ALBERT HALL HOMECOMING. AND SEVEN ADDITIONAL UK CONCERTS — INCLUDING CARDIFF! 🎶🔥🐉
British music legend ELKIE BROOKS has announced a very special one-off concert at London’s prestigious Royal Albert Hall on Tuesday 11 May 2027, almost exactly 50 years after her first sold-out headline performance at the iconic venue.
And that’s not all!
The singer, affectionately known as the British Queen Of Blues, has also added seven further UK dates to her hugely successful Long Farewell Tour due to phenomenal public demand.
The newly announced concerts include Folkestone, Ipswich, Stockton-on-Tees, Halifax, Cardiff, Eastbourne and Newcastle, giving fans across Britain another opportunity to experience one of the country’s most extraordinary voices.
For Welsh music lovers, there’s particularly exciting news.
ELKIE BROOKS WILL PERFORM AT CARDIFF’S NEW THEATRE ON SUNDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2027! 🐉🎤
The announcements arrive as Brooks celebrates an incredible 67 years in the music industry, with her remarkable career showing absolutely no signs of slowing down.
At 81 years old, the singer continues to perform to enthusiastic audiences, with more than 60,000 tickets already sold across her extensive farewell tour.
And with several concerts approaching capacity, it’s clear that her extraordinary music continues to connect with generations of fans.
Almost seven decades into her career, Elkie Brooks is still doing what she does best — captivating audiences with one of the finest voices in British music!
🏛️ Royal Albert Hall 2027 – A Historic Return 50 Years In The Making
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The centrepiece of the latest announcement is an extraordinary concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Tuesday 11 May 2027.
The performance will celebrate almost exactly half a century since Brooks first sold out the prestigious venue in 1977.
That landmark concert came during a pivotal period in her career, when her signature hit ‘Pearl’s A Singer’ was climbing into the UK Top 10.
Now, 50 years later, Brooks will return to the same iconic stage for a celebration of her remarkable musical journey.
And this won’t be an ordinary concert.
For the special anniversary performance, Brooks will be joined by her full live band and London’s spectacular Engines Orchestra, conducted by Phil Meadows.
The combination promises to bring an entirely new dimension to her extensive catalogue, blending her unmistakable vocals with rich orchestral arrangements.
From intimate blues ballads to powerful rock anthems, the evening has the potential to become one of the defining performances of her extraordinary career.
🎤 Elkie Brooks On Returning To The Royal Albert Hall
Speaking about the special anniversary concert, Brooks explained:
“I’m 81 – it’s not about the milestones, it’s about the moments. At this moment I think what is called for is a big occasion and I can’t imagine a more iconic setting than London’s Royal Albert Hall in which to celebrate a very special one moment in time!”
It’s a sentiment that perfectly captures the spirit of the upcoming performance.
For Brooks, the concert isn’t simply about celebrating a particular anniversary.
It’s about enjoying the opportunity to continue performing, connecting with audiences and creating new memories.
And what better setting than one of the most famous concert halls in the world?
🎶 67 Years Of Music – The Extraordinary Career Of ELKIE BROOKS
Born Elaine Bookbinder in Salford, Lancashire, in 1945, Elkie Brooks began performing professionally as a teenager.
Her musical journey started in 1960, launching a career that would eventually span blues, rock, jazz, soul and mainstream pop.
Throughout the 1960s, Brooks developed her reputation as a powerful vocalist, performing in clubs and establishing herself within the British music scene.
But it was during the following decade that her career began to reach new heights.
🔥 From Blues Rock To British Music Royalty
Before achieving widespread success as a solo artist, Brooks performed with British blues-rock group DADA.
She later became a member of VINEGAR JOE, the influential blues-rock band that also featured singer Robert Palmer.
Although Vinegar Joe never achieved the mainstream commercial success enjoyed by some of their contemporaries, the group became known for their energetic live performances and powerful musical chemistry.
Brooks’ commanding vocals helped establish her reputation as an exceptional performer.
Following the band’s dissolution in 1974, she embarked on a solo career that would eventually transform her into one of Britain’s most recognisable singers.
Her music embraced blues, soul, jazz, rock and pop, demonstrating a remarkable ability to move between different genres without losing her distinctive vocal identity.
And that versatility became one of her greatest strengths.
💿 The Songs That Made ELKIE BROOKS A Legend
Across her extraordinary career, Brooks has recorded numerous beloved songs that continue to resonate with audiences.
Her live performances celebrate this remarkable catalogue, bringing together some of the most memorable moments in British popular music.
🎵 ‘Pearl’s A Singer’
Released in 1977, ‘Pearl’s A Singer’ became Brooks’ breakthrough UK Top 10 hit.
The song tells the story of a talented performer whose dreams of musical success remain unfulfilled.
Its combination of emotional storytelling and Brooks’ powerful vocals helped establish her as a major solo artist.
The song also holds particular significance for the upcoming Royal Albert Hall concert, which takes place almost exactly 50 years after its chart success.
🎵 ‘Lilac Wine’
One of Brooks’ most recognisable recordings, ‘Lilac Wine’ showcases her ability to deliver emotionally intense performances.
Her interpretation of the song has become closely associated with her career.
Its haunting atmosphere and expressive vocals make it a natural highlight of her live repertoire.
🎵 ‘Fool (If You Think It’s Over)’
Brooks’ interpretation of the Chris Rea composition became another important moment in her recording career.
The song’s memorable melody and emotional delivery helped make it a favourite among her audience.
🎵 ‘No More The Fool’
Released during the 1980s, ‘No More The Fool’ became one of Brooks’ biggest hits.
The song demonstrated her ability to combine powerful vocal performances with polished contemporary production.
It remains one of the defining recordings of her career.
🎵 ‘Don’t Cry Out Loud’
Another beloved entry in her catalogue, ‘Don’t Cry Out Loud’ highlights Brooks’ extraordinary vocal range and ability to communicate emotion through music.
These songs, alongside deeper album tracks and material from her forthcoming studio release, will form part of the celebrations during the Long Farewell Tour.
📅 ELKIE BROOKS – THE LONG FAREWELL TOUR 2026–2027
The latest announcement adds eight performances to the itinerary, including the special Royal Albert Hall concert and seven additional UK dates.
🎤 Remaining 2026 Concerts
Date
City
Venue
Status
6 November
Skegness
Embassy Theatre
Scheduled
15 November
Salisbury
City Hall
Scheduled
26 November
Bexhill-on-Sea
De La Warr Pavilion
SOLD OUT
🎤 2027 UK Tour Dates
Date
City
Venue
Details
20 January
Malvern
Festival Theatre
Previously announced
5 February
Watford
Colosseum
Previously announced
16 February
Llandudno
Venue Cymru
Previously announced
28 February
Wolverhampton
Grand Theatre
SOLD OUT
7 March
Folkestone
Leas Cliff Hall
New date
12 March
Poole
Lighthouse
Previously announced
22 April
Ipswich
Regent
New date
29 April
Warwick
Arts Centre – Butterworth Hall
Previously announced
11 May
London
Royal Albert Hall
Special anniversary concert
17 June
Reading
Hexagon
Previously announced
24 June
Stockton-on-Tees
Globe
New date
3 September
Buxton
Opera House
Previously announced
11 September
Halifax
Victoria Theatre
New date
23 September
Guildford
G Live
Previously announced
9 October
Manchester
Bridgewater Hall
Previously announced
14 November
Cardiff
New Theatre
New Welsh date
21 November
Eastbourne
Congress Hall
New date
28 November
Newcastle
City Hall
New date
With concerts scheduled throughout 2027, Brooks continues to demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to performing live.
And considering that she’s already sold more than 60,000 tickets across the tour, demand clearly remains exceptionally strong.
🐉 ELKIE BROOKS Announces Cardiff Concert For November 2027!
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Here at The Riff Report, we’re particularly delighted to see CARDIFF included among the newly announced concerts.
Date: Sunday 14 November 2027
Venue: New Theatre, Cardiff
Tour: The Long Farewell Tour
The historic New Theatre has welcomed generations of performers since opening in 1906 and remains one of Cardiff’s most recognisable cultural venues.
For fans of blues, rock, soul and classic British music, the opportunity to experience Elkie Brooks in such an intimate theatrical setting is particularly appealing.
Unlike enormous arena concerts, theatre performances allow audiences to appreciate the finer details of a singer’s delivery.
And with a voice as distinctive as Brooks’, that can make all the difference.
The Cardiff concert also provides Welsh fans with an opportunity to experience her remarkable career without travelling to London or other major English cities.
One of Britain’s greatest blues voices performing in the Welsh capital? That’s definitely something worth celebrating! 🐉🎶
💿 New Live Album – ‘Live In Concert – The Long Farewell Tour’
As if the additional concerts weren’t enough, Brooks is also preparing to release a brand-new live album.
Entitled Live In Concert – The Long Farewell Tour, the CD will feature performances recorded during various recent UK concerts.
The collection will bring together familiar hits and deeper cuts from her extensive catalogue.
For longtime fans, it promises to capture the energy and emotion of her current live performances.
And for those unable to attend a concert, it offers another opportunity to experience the remarkable voice that has defined her career.
The album is scheduled for release during autumn 2026.
Copies will be available at forthcoming concerts and through the official Elkie Brooks website, while stocks last.
Official website: https://www.elkiebrooks.com/
🎸 ELKIE BROOKS Working On Her 21st Studio Album – With THE WHO Legend PETE TOWNSHEND!
And there’s even more exciting news.
Brooks is currently putting the finishing touches to her 21st studio album, which is scheduled for release in 2027.
The record has reportedly been almost a decade in the making and represents another significant chapter in her extraordinary recording career.
Although the album’s title has not yet been announced, one particularly interesting collaboration has been confirmed.
THE WHO guitarist and songwriter PETE TOWNSHEND has written a new song entitled ‘Go Girl’ for the album.
And that’s not all.
Townshend also contributes guitar and vocals to the recording.
For fans of classic British rock, the collaboration brings together two artists with remarkable musical histories.
Townshend is, of course, one of rock music’s most influential songwriters, having helped shape the sound of THE WHO through legendary recordings such as ‘My Generation’, ‘Baba O’Riley’ and ‘Won’t Get Fooled Again’.
Brooks, meanwhile, has spent decades demonstrating her versatility across blues, rock, soul and jazz.
The prospect of hearing their talents combined on a new recording is certainly exciting.
And with material from the forthcoming album expected to feature during the tour, audiences may have the opportunity to hear some of the new songs before the record arrives.
🎤 ELKIE BROOKS At 81 – Still Loving Every Minute Of Performing
Perhaps the most inspiring aspect of the announcement is Brooks’ continued enthusiasm for live music.
After almost seven decades in the industry, she remains passionate about performing and connecting with audiences.
Speaking recently to The Guardian, Brooks reflected on how much she’s enjoying this stage of her career:
“I feel great… And performing live is a wonderful feeling. I’m thoroughly enjoying myself – and plan to keep doing so.”
It’s a refreshing attitude from an artist who has already achieved so much.
Rather than treating her extensive career as something that belongs entirely in the past, Brooks continues to look towards the future.
More concerts.
New recordings.
Fresh collaborations.
And more opportunities to share her music with audiences.
🤘 How Long Will The Long Farewell Last?
Despite the tour’s title, Brooks has made it clear that she’s not working towards a fixed retirement date.
As she explains:
“When people ask me, ‘How long is The Long Farewell?’, I tell them I’ll judge it year by year. It could be five years, it could be ten. But right now I’m feeling pretty good.”
That’s fantastic news for her fans.
The Long Farewell Tour is therefore best understood as a celebration of her extraordinary career rather than a promise that these will be her final performances.
And considering how much she continues to enjoy performing, there may still be plenty of memorable musical moments ahead.
📺 Watch ELKIE BROOKS On Later… With Jools Holland
Fans can also enjoy a recent television performance from Brooks, who appeared on the BBC’s Later… With Jools Holland.
The appearance offers another opportunity to appreciate her remarkable voice and enduring stage presence.
Watch the performance: https://youtu.be/KUQ-r7t3Qec
🎟️ ELKIE BROOKS 2027 Tickets – Everything You Need To Know
Tickets for the special Royal Albert Hall concert have a separate on-sale schedule.
🏛️ Royal Albert Hall – Tuesday 11 May 2027
Mailing list presale: Wednesday 28 October 2026 at 10:00am
General sale: Friday 30 October 2026 at 10:00am
Official ticket link: https://myticket.co.uk/artists/elkie-brooks
🎤 Other UK Tour Dates
Tickets for the remaining UK performances are on sale through the venues and official Elkie Brooks website.
Official tour information: https://www.elkiebrooks.com/elkie-brooks-tour-dates-2024
With some concerts already sold out and others approaching capacity, fans are encouraged to book through authorised sellers.
Ticket prices and availability will vary depending on the venue.
🐉 The Riff Report Says…
SIXTY-SEVEN YEARS IN MUSIC — AND ELKIE BROOKS IS STILL ABSOLUTELY UNSTOPPABLE! 🎤🔥
There’s something genuinely wonderful about seeing an artist continue to perform with such passion after almost seven decades in the music industry.
Elkie Brooks has experienced enormous changes in popular music throughout her career.
From the British blues and rock explosion of the 1960s and 1970s to the chart success of the 1980s and beyond, she’s remained one of the country’s most distinctive vocal performers.
And now, at 81 years old, she’s preparing for another landmark moment.
A return to the Royal Albert Hall.
A full live band.
A spectacular orchestra.
And a concert celebrating 50 years since one of the defining moments of her career.
That’s going to be an incredibly special evening.
The announcement of seven additional UK dates is equally welcome, particularly the Cardiff performance in November 2027.
Here in Wales, we have a long tradition of appreciating exceptional singers, and Brooks certainly belongs in that category.
But what makes this announcement even more exciting is the prospect of new music.
A 21st studio album.
A collaboration with Pete Townshend.
And a new live recording celebrating her ongoing tour.
This isn’t simply an artist looking back at past achievements.
It’s someone who still has stories to tell, songs to sing and audiences to entertain.
And that’s what makes live music so special.
Elkie Brooks isn’t counting down the days until retirement. She’s making every performance count.
And frankly, we absolutely love that.
Whether you’re planning to attend the Royal Albert Hall anniversary celebration, the newly announced Cardiff concert or another date on the Long Farewell Tour, this is an opportunity to experience a genuine British music legend.
ELKIE BROOKS. THE BRITISH QUEEN OF BLUES. 67 YEARS OF MUSIC. AND STILL GOING STRONG! 🎶🔥🐉
Keep it loud. Keep it heavy. Keep supporting live music.
The Riff Report Blog — Music Journalism With Boots At The Barricade.
