The Piano's Brad Kella 'in disbelief' as special John Lennon event announced
The Scouse pianist said it was a 'privilege and an honour' to pay homage to The Beatles
Brad Kella will mark the launch of his debut album with a performance on John Lennon’s old piano. The musician, who is from Bootle, captured the hearts of the nation when he appeared on Channel 4’s The Piano last year.
Brad, who now lives in Fazakerley, went on to win the show, impressing with both his musical talent and his honesty about his upbringing in the care system. Since the series was broadcast last summer, he has performed in Liverpool several times, including a sell-out headline show at the Philharmonic Hall last November.
This month he has also been announced as an EA Sports FC superfan of Liverpool Football Club, where he will be one of only a handful of fans worldwide to feature within the FC25 video game. Brad also signed with Liverpool-based music label Modern Sky last year to produce his debut album of original music and has released several singles already.
To mark the launch of the album, Brad will pay homage to one of the city’s most famous musicians later this month.
Taking place next week at The Beatles Story at the Albert Dock on Friday March 28, the event will feature a one-off performance from Brad, as he will play pieces from the album on the last piano played by John Lennon.
Brad will be the first person in over a decade to perform on the instrument. The instrument has been on display at The Beatles Story since 2015 and was unveiled to celebrate what would have been John's 75th Birthday.
It is the last instrument ever played by the legendary musician as it was used by John only a few hours before his untimely death in 1980. The piano has also been used by the likes of David Bowie, Bob Dylan and Elton John.
The intimate, exclusive launch event will also feature opportunities for a meet and greet for fans, signed prints, plus a recording will be made of the performance, which will feature on a bonus CD free with all pre-orders of his debut album from Jacaranda Records in Liverpool.
Commenting on the event, Brad said: “I cannot believe I'm going to play on John Lennon's piano while announcing my debut album. It's such a privilege and honour knowing how many massive songs have come from that piano.”
Mary Chadwick, general manager of The Beatles Story, said: “It is a great honour to welcome Brad Kella to our exhibition to play John Lennon’s iconic last piano.
“The piano has been proudly displayed at The Beatles Story since 2015, and the whole team are excited to witness it played live for the first time in over a decade.
"Brad’s remarkable journey, which captivated audiences on Channel 4’s The Piano, along with his extraordinary talent, will undoubtedly add a new chapter to this piano's rich history.”
Fans can sign up via Jacaranda Records now to be notified when the free tickets for the event will go live on Friday March 21 at 10am. Brad's remarkable rise and the anticipation around his debut album will build when he supports Gary Barlow on his upcoming UK tour, with Gary personally inviting Brad to accompany him on the live dates throughout April, May and June.
Further details for Brad’s debut album will be announced on March 28, though the album will include the previously released singles ‘Eve & Frank’, a touching tribute to his foster parents which he performed in the final of The Piano, ‘Home To Me’, an ode to Liverpool FC, and ‘Reverie of Isolation’, a piece inspired by his dedication to the piano as his instrument.