Year: 2017
Love Him For A Reason & Let The Reason Be Rock
29 March 2017
Once Osmondmania had run its course, the various brothers embarked upon solo careers and Merrill Osmond was no exception.
Middle child Merrill became a very successful act on the American country music scene and of course has been touring alongside brothers Jay and Jimmy. Now in his mid-sixties and sporting distinguished white hair and beard, Merrill is as busy as ever, and will be appearing at Viva on Monday, June 5.
With the Osmonds back in the seventies, Merrill shared lead vocal duties with Donny and recalls those heady days. He said:
“Osmondmania was a shock that went around the world. Never having chosen my vocation I went from the Barbershop quartet world to The Andy Williams Show and then to the studios recording One Bad Apple; and then to go on stage in front of thousands of screaming girls was an experience.”
Merrill is a frequent visitor to the UK and performs here regularly, but it seems strange that his UK dates this year are rock shows. “That’s right,” he added. “I love rock music as well and these shows will be rock shows and no country in them either.”
So, what can we expect of the Osmond who lists ‘Crazy Horses’ and ‘Down By The Lazy River’ as his favourite Osmond tracks? He said:
“Well, what I might do is a tribute to Paul McCartney, as well as some (Led) Zeppelin and Cream, and of course my four-piece band and I will do all the hits.”
There are only a couple of UK dates in the diary at the moment, but Merrill admits there could be more in the future. “That’s right,” he added. “I’m talking to a promoter about a fuller tour, but it’s taking time.” And as Merrill is a devout Mormon, he hopes to visit the Mormon Temple near Preston whole he is here. “It’s definitely on my agenda,” he said.
Other recent news
#VOTE4LEYE for National Tourism Superstar Award
8 March 2017
Lancashire’s own Tourism Superstar Leye D Johns, host and compere at Viva Blackpool, won his Lancashire ‘crown’ at the Lancashire Tourism Awards in November 2016 and is now one of just ten finalists for this prestigious national award, the winner of which will be decided by public vote.
Public voting opens today, Tuesday 7 February at 8am, to decide the winner of England’s Tourism Superstar 2017, organised by national tourist board VisitEngland and supported by the Daily Mirror. Members of the public are encouraged to Visit mirror.co.uk/tourismsuperstar to watch a short film created by each of the Superstar finalists and to then cast their vote for their favourite and outright winner.
Leye D Johns speaking about reaching the finals said “I’m absolutely overwhelmed by the support I’ve received as Lancashire’s Tourism Superstar and I’m so happy to be named as a national finalist. I love my job, the people of Lancashire, and the thousands of visitors who make every day working at Viva Blackpool such a pleasure. I’m so proud to be representing Lancashire in the national awards, to win would be the icing on the cake of a 23-year career as an entertainer in the UK’s favourite seaside resort.”
Leye is the only finalist from the North West of England and hopes that visitors from Lancashire and the North West in particular will support his film, vote for Leye and spread that support through social media using #Vote4Leye.
The Tourism Superstar finalists are:
Alan Anderson, Park Ranger, Auckland Castle, Durham
Duane Dibartolomeo, Owner, Grosvenor Fish bar, Norwich
Gemma Garwood, Falmouth Town Crier, Cornwall
Gillian Scotford and Jane Carver, Co-founders of Accessible Derbyshire, Derbyshire
Karl Gibson, Pub Landlord, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, Nottingham
Kevin Robson, Tour Guide and Owner, Wild Dog Outdoors, Northumberland
Leye D Johns, Host & Compere, Viva Blackpool, Lancashire
Liz Hill, Founder, Rural Concierge, Herefordshire
Paul Schofield, City Tour Guide, Hull & East Yorkshire
Peter Jay, Volunteer, Cotswold Water Park Trust, Wiltshire
64 Million visitors choose to visit Lancashire each year and many will be familiar with Leye’s work at Viva Blackpool and across the county, they are now in the position to help make Leye D Johns, to victory as England’s Tourism Superstar.
Anna Izza, Head of PR & communications for Marketing Lancashire said “Leye was an incredibly popular recipient of the Lancashire Tourism Superstar Award 2016. Having won the most votes across Lancashire, we were very confident nominating him for the national award. Leye is such a wonderful character, is a great ambassador for the county and we’re absolutely thrilled to see him reach the final.”
VisitEngland Director Patricia Yates said, “The sheer calibre of this years’ entrants is testament to the outstanding customer service that is the foundation of England’s tourism industry. I really encourage you to join in and vote as we celebrate our Tourism Superstars who consistently go above and beyond customers’ expectations, and who contribute so much to ensure visitors have a great time.”
VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar initiative is in its sixth year and recognises the heroes within the industry who far exceed the call of duty to ensure visitors have the most amazing experience.
Vote Now for Lancashire’s Tourism Superstar Leye D Johns at mirror.co.uk/tourismsuperstar voting closes towards the end of March. The winning Tourism Superstar will be announced during English Tourism Week 2017(25 March – 2 April).
Click Here To Vote For Leye D
Other recent news
The Three Degrees Get Set For Viva Show
19 February 2017
Stars of Soul, and the Queens of Motown THE THREE DEGREES are all set to make their Viva Blackpool Debut on Wednesday 22nd March for a one off show night with an open invite to anyone who wants to celebrate the era of truly great music.
Formed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – the trio group still boasts 2 of the original members since Shiela Ferguson departed company many moons ago.
When you thnk of the name ‘The Three Degrees’ it evokes memories of the coordinated dance routines and vocal harmonies to the likes of ‘When Will I See You Again?’, ‘Dirty Ol’ Man’, ‘Take Good Care Of Yourself’ and many more as they’ve sang and toured for more than 40 years.
So come and join Helen Scott, Valerie Holiday and Freddie Pool as we get set to host a truly magical night of memories and more!
Weds 22nd March 2017 – Tickets from Tickets are available From £19.50 – 01253 297 297 or to find out more online click here
Meet & Greet Opportunity Also Available To Book With Souvenir Printed Photo
Other recent news
Win A Holiday For 2 To LAS VEGAS!
24 January 2017
We believe Blackpool is the Vegas of the North so we want to give one lucky couple the chance to compare for themselves. On top of the holiday, you will also receive Viva VIP treatment with an invitation to join us here in Blackpool whenever you need a dose of fabulous entertainment.
You will be staying at the flamboyant MGM Grand which doesn’t call itself grand lightly. Located on the famous Vegas Strip, from the 45ft, bronze lion statue and the 6.6-acre swimming pool area to the four 30-storey towers and 5,000 bedrooms, this hotel is grand in every way.
Like at Viva, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining, with an incredible array of international cuisine. Also like Viva, the MGM Grand is famous for its spectacular shows. Cirque du Soleil’s, KÀ appears at the MGM Grand alongside world renowned entertainers such as David Copperfield or if you fancy a flutter, the MGM Grand has one of the largest casinos in Vegas.
The holiday includes round trip flights, double room and transfers.
For a chance for you and your guest to win this holiday to Las Vegas simply answer the question and complete the form below and click to enter.
This competition closes midnight 31st March 2017 and the winner will be notified within 14 days
QUESTION: Viva Blackpool is the Vegas venue in the heart of:
[cforms name=”Win A Trip To Vegas”]
Terms & Conditions
The prize-draw is open to all citizens of the UK except anyone connected to this competition. Only one entry is permitted per person. No purchase is necessary.
To be valid entries must be received on or before 31st March 2017.
The winner and their partner, will receive return flights from main UK airports to Las Vegas and 5 nights at the MGM Grand Las Vegas on a room only basis. The trip is subject to availability of flights and accommodation as purchased by the agent supplying the holiday on any particular date and must be taken by15th December 2017. Travel to UK airports or incidental expenses are not included. There is no cash or other alternative to the prize
