Joe Cocker to get himself an OBE this week (and new tour imminent too)

joecocker Joe Cocker to get himself an OBE this week (and new tour imminent too) The legendary Joe Cocker will be the recipient of an OBE this Thursday (December 13th). Hopefully, ol’ gravel lungs will go down to Buckingham Palace and serenade her Maj’ with a groin-bursting rendition of “Let’s Get Stoned” in tribute to John Lennon skinning up in the Royal bogs.
Sheffield-born Cocker will subsequently be the proud recipient of another award - this time from his home city - on Saturday December 15th, when he is inducted into Sheffield’s Hall of Fame as a Sheffield Legend, hours before playing his first show for 13 years at Sheffield Arena. The day after the Sheffield Arena homecoming show, Joe ends an incredible year by playing the O2 Arena in London on December 16.

Talking about the OBE, Joe said this week, “I must confess I almost shed a tear upon hearing I was to be awarded an OBE for my contribution to music. Growing up in the North of post-war England, singing in pubs, such an honour seemed inconceivable. My elder brother Vic received a CBE for services to the water industry a few years back in 2000, and I’m told that having two medals in one family is quite a rarity”.
This year Joe released the “Hymn For My Soul” LP which, boosted by an appearance on Parkinson, achieved his highest chart position for over ten years when the album went straight into the top 10. Good lad! In 2008 Joe will be touring New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, and will then go to America to tour around the US release of the album. Until then, Joe plays:
Dec 15 SHEFFIELD ARENA 0114 256 5656
Dec 16 INDIGO AT THE 02 ARENA 0844 844 0002
Tickets for both shows available from 24 hour cc hotline 0871 220 0260 or 0871 230 4230. Book online at www.seetickets.com or www.ticketmaster.co.uk. More info on www.marshall-arts.co.uk and www.cocker.com
[image Andrew MacPherson]