Errol Kennedy uses his imagination at Rhyl Pavilion

Jan 27 2010

Errol Kennedy

For over 20 years there has been something missing for Errol Kennedy. Despite a career working with acts like Sade and Jamiroquai, life hasn’t been the same since 1987.

Errol was one third of 1980s funk and soul trio Imagination. Since they split at the end of the decade there has been a void. Regardless of whether he has been touring with Shalamar or making documentaries with Edward Woodward, one question has followed him for years: "No matter what I’ve been doing I am always asked when Imagination is coming back.

"All the work I have done has been great but now I want to bring the music back, I want to make people dance.

"I’ve so missed it, these songs were amazing. We’re really enjoying bringing them back to the people."

He believes Imagination is needed more than ever: "The world is such a sad and miserable place at the moment. I want to uplift and inspire people, I want to take the old shows and make people forget and have fun. I want people dancing in the aisles, man."

He says he is looking forward to taking to the road for the first time since 1987 when he played to crowds of around 100,000 people.

Unlike most drummers Errol took a central role in Imagination, co-writing and singing. Although his new version of the group will be without Leeecorr John and Ashley Ingham he assures crowds his new ensemble more than measures up.

"The original band back in the day was awesome but the line-up now is just as good. We had great times and put on great shows and we hope to repeat that. The passion’s still there, as long as we get people dancing."

In 1981, the band’s first UK hit single Body Talk spent 18 weeks in the chart and was followed by further successes such as Flashback, Just an Illusion and Music and Lights.

Their first albumBody Talk also went platinum in the UK.

As one of the most photographed members of the band Errol had the honour of becoming the Sun’s first ever Page Seven Fella in 1985.

Errol Kennedy’s Imagination play Rhyl Pavilion on February 7. Call 01745 330000 for tickets.