P&O Cruises is delighted to announce Gary Barlow as its new brand ambassador, with the pioneering partnership set to fuse music with amazing travel experiences for guests on board in 2020.
Multi-award winning singer, songwriter, producer, musician and member of one of the biggest groups in British music history, Take That, Gary’s debut role will be as musical director of The 710 Club on Iona, the contemporary new P&O Cruises flagship to be launched in May this year.
As musical director of The 710 Club, Gary is set to make Iona’s intimate music bar the most exciting live music venue at sea. Showcasing an eclectic range of performances, curated to appeal to British music lovers, this atmospheric late-night music venue will offer an opportunity for up-and-coming musicians to get their break.
Gary will also perform at Iona’s naming celebration which kicks off IonaFest, the UK’s most exciting new floating festival which is a seven night cruise to the Norwegian Fjords from Southampton on July 4, 2020.
Gary is one of the UK’s most successful musicians and during his impressive career, he has written 15 Number One singles, won six Ivor Novello Awards, eight BRIT awards, sold over 45 million records worldwide and over eight million concert tickets.
Aside from his achievements with Take That, he has also co-written and produced music for other renowned artists including Dame Shirley Bassey, Sir Elton John and Robbie Williams. Gary has also turned his attention to the world of theatre, composing the score for the hugely successful ‘Finding Neverland’ and working alongside screenwriter Tim Firth to write the music and lyrics for musical ’The Girls’ and also more recently working alongside his bandmates Mark Owen, Howard Donald and Robbie Williams to produce ‘The Band’ a record breaking musical featuring the music of Take That.
P&O Cruises president, Paul Ludlow, said: “We are immensely proud to have someone of Gary’s stature and talent working with us as brand ambassador. Gary’s impressive career speaks for itself and he will bring his vision and personality to our new The 710 Club; from guiding the resident band, selecting future performers and playlists and even shaping the interiors and signature cocktails.
“We’re excited that our guests can be a part of it and they will have the opportunity to watch Gary light up Iona’s theatre for some extraordinary performances in dazzling surroundings. This collaboration highlights our commitment to providing world-class entertainment on Iona that places music firmly at its heart.”
Gary Barlow added: “I want The 710 Club to be a celebration of great music and great talent. As its musical director, I want to give a unique experience for people who love music as much as I do.
“Music has been such a massive part of my life – and taken me on so many journeys and adventures. I’m hoping to pass this on to all the guests in my club.”
Gary will also join guests on two Iona holidays in 2020 for exclusive performances*: Iona G018 departing Southampton on 29 August for the Norwegian Fjords and Iona G025 departing Southampton on 31 October for Spain and Portugal.
For more information visit www.pocruises.com/garybarlow.
