The Studio in Widnes will be holding a ‘special and unusual’ event on March 25 when it hosts An Evening With Arthur Brown.

A venue spokeswoman said the night will be an intriguing and entertaining trip through the life and times of the artist, who is best-known for his flamboyant theatrical performances, distinctive voice, and his number one hit Fire in 1968.

Prior to this he had gained a philosophy degree at Reading University after dropping law.

When The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown album entered the top 10 around the world, Arthur and band toured with Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, and Frank Zappa, and became an inspiration to many other acts including Alice Cooper.

He also appeared in the Ken Russell film Tommy alongside Eric Clapton and The Who.

Experimentation

A fan of experimentation he recorded three albums, toured with German synthesiser wizard Klaus Schulz and spent time in Africa working with the Burundi National Orchestra.

He then lived in Texas with his wife and son where he studied for and gained a masters degree in counselling and became interested in the use of music for healing. Arthur also teamed up with Mothers Of Invention drummer Jimmy Carl Black and they ran a house-decorating company, and also recorded a psycho R&B album Brown, Black And Blue.

Now in his 70s and still performing regularly at festivals across the UK, Europe and the USA with today’s line-up of The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown, he has lived an extraordinary life. There will also be projections, animations, a few songs, and Arthur will be accompanied on stage by dancer Angel Fallon.

Rare chance

Jaki Florek, of The Studio, said: “As well as being a rare chance to see Arthur Brown up close in an intimate setting, the event will also be helping to keep The Studio open and functioning as a unique local centre of creative arts and music-making since re-opening in April 2010.”

Tickets are available for £12.50, cash only, from The Studio on Sunday afternoons. They can also be purchased at www.ticketline.co.uk/arthur-brown

The event is ticket-only and seated with tables and chairs.

Doors and bar open at 8pm.

The Studio is also fully wheelchair accessible.