THE lead singer of Al McKay’s Earth Wind and Fire opened up about performing with one of his heroes ahead of their performance at Haydock Park Racecourse this summer - and you can win tickets!
Tim Owens is a singer, songwriter and producer who is currently touring the world with Al McKay’s Earth, Wind and Fire Experience as the lead vocalist.
Al McKay, who was an original member of the iconic 70s band, decided to put the Earth, Wind and Fire Experience together after they split up.
He put the group together in the hopes of performing the music as close to the original recordings as possible.
After a friend left the band, Tim decided to join as a singer and has been performing with them for the past 25 years – which he describes as like performing with a hero.
“A lot of people say they grew up on it, but I mean I literally grew up on this music,” he said.
“I’m the youngest of four and my older brothers played Earth, Wind and Fire like it was religion growing up, so I know every nuance in everything they ever did.
“Sometimes when Al is on stage with us, I look back and emotion can overwhelm me because I can’t believe I’m playing with this guy that recorded these songs.”
Even though Tim has been performing with the band for many years, the magic of Earth, Wind and Fire’s music is not lost on him.
“Over the years people have tried to categorise it into certain genres and you can’t,” he said.
“You can’t give it one category, but you can say what you like about it - but the guy next to you might think something different.
“To me all of the elements came together to make it a classic timeless music that everyone can relate to.”
While Al McKay originally intended for the Earth, Wind and Fire Experience to be as close to the original recordings as possible, the band has now shaped their performance into a show – which Tim played a big part in.
“I really appreciate the growth because when we started the band was more of a literal interpretation of Al’s dream,” he said.
“I was part of the catalyst of making the change and saying ‘Al, we need to make this into a show’.
“It’s turned into something now that I’m really proud of.”
Tim, who learned his craft singing gospel music, believes in the power of communication and tries to use music to spread a positive and uplifting message.
“I feel that when musicians take their gifts seriously, we can harness the power to make change in the world,” he said.
“I’m very passionate about making a difference and showing that we’re all connected, and music allows me to do that.”
Tim’s message of connectivity extends to Al McKay’s Earth, Wind and Fire Experience’s performance, as he hopes that fans leave the show they will continue to spread positivity.
“A big part of my presence on stage is asking people to take the unity they feel during the show out into their regular lives,” he said.
“People come to a show and stand next to a stranger and you enjoy it together and it’s so easy if you just make the decision to be that person in your regular life – we just have to decide to be those people all the time.”
Although Tim is excited to perform, what he’s most looking forward to at Haydock is the races.
“I have a serious admiration for the equestrian, and I haven’t seen a lot of it and I’m excited to see that – I hope I can have the time to see at least one of the races,” he said.
But once the races are over the night will really begin and Tim has just one message for fans attending the concert.
“I say just come have an incredible time, bring your open heart and your energy and let’s have a party,” he said.
The Al McKay’s Earth, Wind and Fire Experience will perform at Haydock Park Racecourse on Friday, August 9 at 9pm after the races.
Tickets start from £33.39 and can be purchased here.
We have two sets of four tickets up for grabs in our competition.
Just tell us who is performing at Haydock Park Racecourse on Friday, August 9.
Send us your answer by emailing competition@nqnw.co.uk.
The closing date for entries is close of play on Monday, May 6. Usual Newsquest rules apply.
You must include your name and contact details.
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