Sun Records – The Concert

Sun Records – The Concert comes to the Main Auditorium at Weymouth Pavilion on Friday 5 February 2027, starting at 7:30pm. It's billed as Where Rock 'n' Roll Was Born - the Official Sun Records Concert Show, the only show officially endorsed by Sun Records and supported by The Sun Entertainment Corporation in the USA. The whole thing is built around the label's early years in Memphis, and it's a good place to start if you've ever wondered where the sound actually came from.

That story begins with Sam Phillips, who opened his Memphis Recording Service studio on 3 January 1950 at 706 Union Avenue. In March 1951, he produced Rocket 88 by Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats — actually Ike Turner and his Kings of Rhythm — before founding Sun Records in February 1952. From there, the label went on to break Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins and Rufus Thomas, forging the 'Sun Sound' from gospel, blues, hillbilly, country, boogie and western swing. The show brings that sound back to life on stage, with a cast of singers and musicians playing instruments from the era.

If you're planning to make a night of it, there are pre-show meals served in the Piano Bar from 5pm, so you can eat before the music starts. The auditorium is seated, though you can stand or dance at the sides or rear if you'd rather be on your feet. Tickets are £29, and the show kicks off at 7:30pm.