See the stunning new show curated and performed by PAUL CASEY,
featuring the classic hits of his long-time collaborator CHRIS REA.
LET'S DANCE!
Rea-magined is an expertly-crafted show, featuring the classic hits of 40-million-album-selling Chris Rea, performed by his long-time collaborator, Paul Casey.
A seminal figure in the history of modern guitar, Chris Rea is no longer touring. But his fans can now enjoy a rare opportunity to witness his music live, like never before, as Casey ‘Rea-magines’ the classic hits. The new show will honour Rea’s legacy in a way that could only happen on the back of Rea and Casey's decades-long relationship.
Rea-magined: Paul Casey plays the songs of Chris Rea.
PAUL CASEY PAYS TRIBUTE
Chris Rea is an influential and ground-breaking force in music. After catapulting onto the world stage in 1978, with Fool (If You Think It's Over), Rea's reputation as a musical giant and recording artist has endured ever since. Now, Paul Casey is set to write another live chapter in the rock icon’s songbook with a specially curated live show.
Chris Rea in concert in 2010.
Irish guitarist Paul Casey – one of music’s best-kept secrets – announced for specially-curated show at Derry Jazz Festival
Paul on stage with Chris during The Road To Hell And Back tour in 2006, at Symphony Hall Birmingham.
WHEN PAUL CASEY MET CHRIS REA...
Chris and Paul at King's Hall, Belfast
Belfast, 1993
Chris Rea is in town for a show. After soundcheck, a Derry teenager finds his way backstage.
He introduces himself to his musical hero as Paul Casey, a slide-guitar player (who was using a plumber’s copper pipe as a bottleneck!)
Rea takes the time to talk; he suggests getting a compressor pedal for sustain and a tube screamer for overdrive. The next day, Casey buys the gear.
Paul at Chris' studio in London.
One week later
Paul’s mother calls the store in a panic; Chris Rea’s office had called the house. They’ll try again tomorrow.
Despite thinking it was a prank, Paul stays home the next day. That evening, the phone rings. By now, frustrated and convinced it was a cruel joke, Paul is about to hang up, when the gravelly voice of Chris Rea comes on the line. Chris loved the demo, and invites Paul to his studio in London.
The original demo tape that Chris listened to nearly 30 years ago.
London, 1998
For the next five years, buoyed by Rea’s words, Casey practices diligently, always with compressor and tube screamer to hand.
In 1998, after a show in London, Paul hands Chris a demo tape, the result of the last five years’ work.
With the tape delivered, Paul returns to Derry, and his job at the local record store.
On tour
An enduring friendship
They worked in studio together, Paul joined Chris' band, and was special guest in sold-out arenas across Europe. All the time, Paul watched, and learned from the master; the craft of songwriting, the art of vocal delivery, the mastery of slide guitar, the rules of life.
Chris Rea has left nothing behind. Neither has his trusted protégé. Experience the next instalment in the story: from the guitar of Chris Rea, into the hands of Paul Casey.
