Spirit of Smokie - Celebrating the Music of Smokie

Smokie is a British pop-rock band that was among the most popular groups of the 1970s and 1980s - with hits like "If you think you know how to love me", "I'll meet you at midnight", "Lay back in the arms of someone", "Wild Angels", "Oh Carol", "Mexican Girl" and many more that stormed the charts.

With a total of 15 Top-20 hits, including "Living next door to Alice" - which sold over 30 million copies worldwide and was number 1 in Germany for 9 weeks - they made their mark on music history. The original line-up consisted of Chris Norman (vocals, guitar), Terry Uttley (bass and vocals), Alan Silson (guitar and vocals) and Pete Spencer (drums and vocals). The band played in the classic beat configuration - two guitars, bass and drums - stood out for their excellent harmonic singing, and their trademark was the distinctive raspy voice of lead singer Chris Norman.

Anyone who thinks the name 'Smokie' means dull romantic rockers, however, is mistaken: even back then the guys had plenty of rock and roll in them, and besides their singing, they captivated audiences with emotional and rousing guitar sounds. After Chris Norman's departure - he left Smokie to pursue a solo career - the band found a worthy successor in Alan Barton in 1986, whose raspy voice was almost identical to Chris Norman's. As the new lead singer, Alan Barton ushered in a new era for 'Smokie' and shaped the face of this world-class band through six released albums.

In 1995, however, a tragic accident occurred: the band's tour bus went off the road - Smokie members Terry Uttley and Alan Silson escaped with minor injuries, but lead singer Alan Barton succumbed to his severe injuries. Unfortunately, after Alan Barton's tragic death in 1995, things went quiet around 'Smokie'.

Today, the band is led by none other than Dean Barton, Alan Barton's son, who possesses that same unmistakable raspy yet heartfelt voice as his father.