BIOGRAPHY
Tony Christie is a name etched into the fabric of British popular music. With a voice that blends warmth, power and timeless style, he has been delighting audiences around the world for over six decades. Best known for his enduring hit Is This the Way to Amarillo, Tony’s career is a masterclass in longevity, talent and reinvention.
Born Anthony Fitzgerald in Yorkshire in 1943, Tony began his career in the working men’s clubs of the North, earning his stripes in the golden age of live performance. His big break came in the early 1970s, when his smooth vocals and commanding stage presence earned him chart success with hits such as Las Vegas, Avenues and Alleyways and, of course, Amarillo. The latter became his signature song, originally charting in 1971 and famously re-released in 2005 with Peter Kay for Comic Relief, becoming a number-one hit and cementing its place as one of Britain’s best-loved anthems.
Tony’s talent has taken him far beyond the UK. He has enjoyed international success across Europe, particularly in Germany, where he became a household name. With over 40 albums to his name, he’s covered everything from pop ballads to musical theatre, and collaborated with a wide range of artists including Jarvis Cocker and Richard Hawley. His critically acclaimed album Made in Sheffield reintroduced him to a new generation and showcased his versatility as an artist.
In addition to his music career, Tony has appeared in stage productions, made numerous television appearances, and continued to tour extensively. His energy on stage, combined with his ability to connect with an audience, makes every performance a celebration of show business at its best.
Tony Christie was welcomed into the Grand Order of Water Rats in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the world of entertainment. As a Brother Rat, he embodies the qualities the Order holds dear—talent, generosity, and a lifelong commitment to bringing joy to others. Whether singing on stage or supporting charitable causes, Tony brings heart, humour and humility to everything he does.
Still performing to this day, Tony Christie remains a true icon of British music. His voice has stood the test of time, and his legacy continues to grow, proving that real talent never fades.
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