Backstage with Dean Richardson
Dean will be appearing at Autumn Gold Fiesta at Alannia Guardamar, 15th & 16th October. Find out more HERE
Tell us about you
After having a 'proper' job after finishing University, I applied to go on the BBC1 Saturday night prime time tv programme 'Star for a night' hosted by cruise legend, Jane McDonald. Out of thousands of applicants I was one of the five chosen to appear on the show. After that I got a call from a talent agent, and after some deliberation, entered the world of entertainment, eventually getting the attention of tribute impresario Trevor Chance, who invited me to headline his show 'Legends' on the Central Pier as Freddie Mercury.
What would you be doing if you were not an entertainer?
I probably would have been involved at some level in the Marketing industry.
As an entertainer who has been your biggest influence?
Well I am certainly influenced by the great man himself when it comes to the actual tribute I perform, but I really like a wide variety of music genres so a little bit from everybody.
Do you ever get nervous or have you suffered stage fright?
Not really, the only time I ever get the flutterbies is when I perform somewhere I have never performed at – more of a not knowing what to expect really. Although I have to admit when I perform for family or friends who actually know me personally there are a small element of nerves that kick in, they can be your best – and worst critics haha.
What was your best moment?
Probably Maspalomas Pride in Gran Canaria in front of 30,000 people, that was spectacular. Other than that, I think it's those gigs where you turn up and think 'uh oh here we go', where has my agent sent me? And then it turns out to be a fantastic night, never judge a book by its cover.
What has been your worst moment?
Probably Maspalomas Pride in Gran Canaria in front of 30,000 people, that was spectacular. Other than that, I think it's those gigs where you turn up and think 'uh oh here we go', where has my agent sent me? And then it turns out to be a fantastic night, never judge a book by its cover.
What’s the best piece of advice you have received or would give someone starting out in the business?
I was at a crossroads, just after I'd been on TV I was working at the time at a regional newspaper as a Marketing Executive and career prospects were looking great, I started gigging in the evenings and weekends as well as working full time at the paper and I was exhausted. So a choice had to be made. I had a chat with the Editor at the time and told me, if I don't go for it, I'll always wonder 'what if' and then said I should 'follow my dream'. So, I did.
Any little anecdotes or interesting stories?
Again I'm going to have to take the fifth. I suppose a nice little story is at Legends in Blackpool, we had an opening night party after my very first show in the green room and a few other local acts that we know came to join. One of them came up to me said how great I was but I have to ask you, how do you sing with those teeth in? I replied 'they're my teeth!' This guy has known me for over ten years!! I get this a lot, they really are my teeth.
Anything you would like to add? People you have played with? Supported? Places you have played?
Where do I begin, I have played with and supported quite a lot of people, famous and otherwise, too many to mention without sounding like a bit of a name dropper. I've played some beautiful venues, both large and small and touch wood never had a bad night yet. I think the music of Freddie & Queen is universally loved, by all nationalities, ages, genders and me being a fan as well makes my job all the better.
