At Last – Vika Bull brings Etta James to Melbourne and Sydney

Vika Bull – one of Australia’s most respected soul singers – is set to sell the story of one of the world’s most beloved women of soul, Etta James.

Written by critically acclaimed author John Livings, At Last: The Etta James Story will premiere at Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre from 19 February 2013, just over a year after Etta James’ death in January 2012.  It will then head to Sydney Opera House, opening on 30 April.

“Etta James has had a huge influence on my musical journey,” said Vika Bull.

“Someone played her record to me when I had just started performing, and from then on I was hooked. She had a voice so powerful it could knock you over, and I just love her sassy cheekiness on stage!”

A narrative concert, At Last will tell the story of Etta’s turbulent life (including drug addiction, prison, and rehab) and feature her most beloved songs, including  ‘Something’s Got A Hold On Me’, ‘Pushover’,  ‘I’d Rather Go Blind’, and many more.

“Like many famous musicians Etta had a tough life, but she kept on coming back – singing and performing until she became ill in 2010. Now, a year after her death we are telling her story, and all I can say is I hope I can do her justice,” says Bull.

Bull is well-known for her successful music career from the 1980s, when she and her sister Linda helped The Black Sorrows to achieve multi-platinum status. Since then they have released their own albums (the first produced by Paul Kelly) and performed on some of the biggest stages in the world.

In the 1990s Etta became recognized as one of the first to bridge the gap between rhythm & blues, rock & roll and pop. She has since inspired the careers of a new generation of artists such as Christina Aguilera, Joss Stone, Amy Winehouse and Adele.

Backed by an 8-piece band, Vika Bull will sing Etta James songs with raw emotion, punctuated by an intimate telling of Etta’s tumultuous life.

For more information, including booking details for Sydney and Melbourne, visit www.atlasttheettajamesstory.com.au