Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? 20 years on from singing those iconic Queen Bohemian Rhapsody lyrics on The X Factor and G4 don’t have to dream anymore. The classical crossover kings are living a real life which sees them about to release their sixth album ‘20’ on 12th April 2024 and go on their biggest tour yet, with more than 100 headline dates, two decades on. The announcement is accompanied with the release of their take on the romantic classic ‘Io Che Non Vivo Senza Te (You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me)’, which is available everywhere now. Listen HERE.
Pioneering their iconic pop-opera signature sound, G4 were undisputedly the real winners of the first series of the ground-breaking British talent show. Since then, they have gone from strength-to-strength with highlights including the release of their self-titled double-Platinum #1 debut album – the fastest selling album of 2005, countless sold-out shows including The Royal Albert Hall and multiple arena dates, plus collabs with the likes of Robin Gibb, Cliff Richard and Lesley Garrett.
‘20’ sees G4 return to their roots with a heady mix of self-chosen modern pop songs from the likes of Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish and James Blunt alongside timeless favourites and operatic standards. In the classic G4 style, the quartet shape these famous songs in their own identity, creating songs with an instant spark of recognition but that also feel fresh enough for you to pause to think who recorded them originally. What remains central to G4 is their constant dedication to their craft. Pitch-perfect vocals reach dizzying heights, pierce the heart with tender emotion and sew together hook-laden earworms which will imbed into the soul.
Led by founder members Jonathan Ansell (high tenor/lead vocals) and Mike Christie (baritone), ‘20’ represents their first album with Duncan Sandilands (bass) and new recruit Jai McDowall (tenor), who won ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ in 2011. But while G4 possesses a pair of new voices, the new album also reunited them with Brian Rawlings, the Grammy-winner producer who helped elevate their debut album to remarkable heights.
Jonathan Ansell explains, “It’s still exciting to be kicking around this industry all these years on.”
Mike Christie adds, “Singing covers was the right thing for us because it broke down the barrier of classical music. People hear a pop song they know and we turn it on its head. We’re still around today because we push boundaries and are not afraid to do something different.”
The album’s lead single ‘Io Che Non Vivo Senza Te (You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me)’ is a classic G4 interpretation which sees the quartet blending English and Italian lyrics, pulling together the best elements from the iconic versions recorded by Dusty Springfield and Elvis Presley as well as the majestic elegance of Pino Donaggio’s original.
‘20’ is available on all digital platforms on the 12th April. Physical formats include a collector’s edition vinyl, a CD and a cassette will follow on the 17th May.
G4’s 20th anniversary tour starts in Worthing on April 16th and runs through to Stockport on October 15th, taking in a London show at Leicester Square Theatre on September 9th. They have also already announced details of their ever popular Christmas tour, which will see them perform seasonal classics and pop songs in historic cathedral and church venues across the land. G4 will set sail on their first ever fan cruise in August, which will include a very special, intimate show at the Scuola Grande in Venice. Please see HERE for a list of all dates and accompanying ticket information.
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