Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra have today announced the run of dates and special guests of their 2023 Autumn/Winter UK tour, which visits the Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent on Thursday 16 November.

Renowned as one of the UK’s most popular tours, this year the show will feature The Selecter’s Pauline Black and Arthur ‘Gaps’ Hendrickson as special guests.

Pauline Black and Arthur ‘Gaps’ Hendrickson are no strangers to Jools and the orchestra, having joined them for a memorable tour in 2016. The duo are founding members of the influential Coventry based two-tone band and ska pioneers The Selecter. Their debut album ‘Too Much Pressure’, released in 1980, still remains a key moment of British music history. The two vocalists have been an unstoppable force since relaunching The Selecter, entertaining audiences throughout the country with their incredible live performances, including hits like the classic ‘On My Radio’.

The shows will once again feature the vocals of Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall, as well as Sumudu Jayatilaka, who joined Jools for the first time in 2022. Together with the inimitable musicianship of the Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, which features drums from original Squeeze member Gilson Lavis, Jools Holland will be performing tracks spanning his entire solo career. 

Jools Holland said: “Myself, my piano and Orchestra are thrilled to bits because our special guests this year are Pauline Black and Arthur ‘Gaps’ Hendrickson of The Selecter. This magnificent addition will amplify our Ska music credentials and bring an extra razzy dazzy spasm to our dance capabilities. Coupled with our own Boogie Queen and Enchantress, Ruby Turner, this mix will result in one of the most dynamic shows we’ve ever had. But it doesn’t stop there, adding her delicious voice and harmonic enchantments to the evening, will be our very own, Louise Marshall. Further, for your aural delectation we introduce, the much sought after and wonderful new voice of Sumudu Jayatilaka. All this music will be underpinned by the drums of my Squeeze co-founder, Gilson Lavis and decorated by the scintillating soloists of the Orchestra.”

Booking is now open, with tickets available online at atgtickets.com/stoke.