All About Manchester

Blue no more

As one quarter of cheeky pop outfit Blue, Mancunian singer/songwriter Simon Webbe was used to arenas packed with screaming teenagers. But as he embarks on his first ever tour as a solo artist, he tells All About Manchester he is ready to stand on his own feet.

Webbe is frantically busy these days. Less than a week before his first solo tour kicks off he is dashing in and out of photo shoots, press interviews and rehearsals. Yet judging by his calm voice and laid-back tone on the phone you would think he is sitting on a beach somewhere leisurely sipping cocktails.

Is he not nervous about the tour? He chuckles. "I'm more excited than nervous to be honest. I've played Manchester in the past with my boy band but it's a dream come true to be able to come back home for a solo concert."

Webbe was Blue's star singer, with a voice that is distinctively rich, warm and heartfelt. He is also a talented songwriter who had a hand in some of Blue's biggest hits. Oh, and he is an ex-model. It is not surprising then that he is the only Blue member to make the transition from boy-bander to successful solo artist.

His first solo album, Sanctuary, sold 700,000 copies, yielded three hit singles and established him as one of the breakthrough artists of 2005, while his second album, Grace, has consolidated his position as a credible music force. But has the transition been as easy as it sounds?

"Don't get me wrong, I do miss my boy band days, I'm used to being a team player, but right now I'm in a new chapter in my life. I'm not 20 any more, I'm 28 and I feel more mature and more confident. And I've found a sound that feels right."

He calls this sound "urban folk" and explains it as "a blend of organic instruments with hip-hop beats and soulful vocals". Country, soul and gospel are mixed together to produce catchy tunes that are warm and uplifting.

Webbe's music reflects his upbringing in Manchester's Moss Side, where he had a fondly remembered childhood despite the area's notorious reputation for gang violence.

Webbe enjoyed big success with boy band Blue but has now set out on his own.

"I kept myself busy with football and modelling, and people left me alone. But where I come from opportunities don't come knocking on your door. Employers see the postcode on your job application and they don't want to know. So I'm proud to have made something of myself."

Webbe saw his way out of Moss Side when he won a modelling contract at 19 and then joined Blue a year later. But although his work keeps him away from his hometown and his family, Manchester has a special place in his heart.

"My mum and whole family still live in Manchester and I visit as often as I can - which is not too often these days, as I am often out of the country four days a week. But I will see everyone on June 9 when I come up for the M.E.N. Arena concert and I'm looking forward to that."

Simon Webbe will be performing a Blue medley, as well as tracks from his two solo albums - including the hit singles 'No Worries', 'Lay Your Hands' and 'Coming Around Again' - at the M.E.N. Arena on June 9. For tickets call 0870 190 8000.

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Blue no more

As one quarter of cheeky pop outfit Blue, Mancunian singer/songwriter Simon Webbe was used to arenas packed with screaming teenagers. But as he embarks on his first ever tour as a solo artist, he tells All About Manchester he is ready to stand on his own feet.