In the ‘90s you probably wouldn’t have ever guessed a member of East 17 would go on to collaborate with John Lennon’s son. But Tony Mortimer did, though, working with Julian Lennon on his 2013 single ‘Rain In England’.
Other achievements in the East End boy’s career include winning an Ivor Novello for ‘Stay Another Day’ and, with that same track, writing the most Christmassy non-Christmas song in the history of music. With East 17, he sold millions of records and he’s kept himself busy since they split, including reuniting with them (minus Brian Harvey) in 2010 and releasing a new record together in 2012’s ‘Dark Light’.
Mortimer’s also dabbled in songwriting and producing other people’s records, as well as briefly managing a girl band called Urban Angel. He released his debut solo album ‘Songs From The Suitcase’ in 2013 and, he’s currently working on its follow-up, which is due out next year.
What’s the music that’s informed his career and makes him tick though? He sat down in front of the NME cameras and ran us through the first song he fell in love with, the tune that gets him on the mic at karaoke and more.
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Tony Mortimer will play London’s O2 Academy Islington on September 24. Dates in Manchester and Birmingham are being rescheduled with new dates announced soon.