Superbike star James Toseland will return to the island to unleash material from his new album as he goes full throttle into a music career.
The twice Superbike World Champion lived here until marrying award-winning singer-songwriter Katie Melua last year. The couple now live in London where James, who retired from racing in 2011 after a wrist injury, is on his way to fulfilling a longheld dream of becoming a rock star. The 32-year-old, who has had musical aspirations since he took up the piano aged six and was the lead singer with the band Crash, has spent the last 18 months penning his debut album with Toby Jepson, former frontman with 80s rockers Little Angels. And now he is all set to embark on a 12-date British tour with his five-piece group Toseland.
This schedule includes a pit stop in the island during TT when he will support The Darkness at their Villa Marina gig on Saturday, June 1.
‘I can’t wait to play on the island,’ said the Yorkshireman, ‘The Villa Marina is an amazing venue and the Manx people love their music. After living there for eight years it’s going to feel like a home gig.’
He added: ‘It will be our first time meeting The Darkness. We are all so excited to support such an established band and with it being TT weekend I’m sure we’ll have plenty of bike fans as well as rock fans in the audience too which will make for a fantastic atmosphere!’
He explained: ‘We’ll be playing tracks from the album. I released the single from it a few weeks ago called Life is Beautiful. So far everything is going great. I finished the album around four months ago and we already have a strong British tour planned as well as attracting label and management interest too.
‘We’ve just got to get out on stage now and put in the best performances we can and hope that people connect with our music.’
As well as concentrating on his music, James will also be preparing for a land speed record attempt taking place next year. ‘I’m trying to be the first person to travel over 400mph on a motorcycle.’ he said, ‘So a lot of great things to come!’
Earlier this year James and Katie helped launch the 30th anniversary campaign of island charity Manx Cancer Help, of which he is patron. Although he now lives in London, James still owns a house in Port Soderick and a flat in Ramsey.
The gig starts at 8pm. The show is for over-18s only.
Tickets cost £30 (or £35 to include an aftershow clubnight). Call the box office on 600555, pop into the Sea Terminal Welcome Centre or the Villa reception, or visit www.villagaiety.com
www.toselandmusic.com