David Gest Is Not Dead But Alive With Soul - Tour going ahead as tribute!

Now David's close friend Imad Handi has been given permission by the deceased 'Celebrity Big Brother' star's lawyers to press ahead with the shows which will see 'Band of Gold' singer Freda take on David's compère role for the concerts.

Imad - who has co-produced David's tours for several years - hopes fans will come out to pay their respects to the concert promoter and celebrate his incredible life.

He exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "Just like myself, all the artists were devastated when they learned David had died. Over the years they had become like a family together due to their close working relationship and the musicians were determined to go ahead with the tour to remember David with their music.

"Although he was known for his reality TV appearances in the UK, he lived for hosting gigs and his soul reviews were always the highlight of his year. I did think about changing the name of the tour but then I decided to keep it as it is in keeping with David's mischievous sense of humour. And also it's true, he may sadly be gone but his spirit is alive in the music he loved."

Following the sad news of 'Me and Mrs Jones' singer Billy's death there are plans in place to remember him with a performance by the acts on the bill.

*****Original event info below*****

TV star and legendary producer David Gest has scheduled a concert to return to The Stockport Plaza Theatre this summer with his ‘DAVID GEST IS NOT DEAD BUT ALIVE WITH SOUL!’. In what is likely to be yet another sell-out tour date in the city. Tickets start from £29 (plus booking fee) and there’s the chance to get up close and personal with ‘VIP Meet and Greet’ tickets which include pictures and autographs with the stars.

The glittering bill includes:

The Return Of A Legend:
Dina Carroll
(‘The Perfect Year’, ‘Escaping’, ‘Don’t Be A Stranger’, ’Ain’t No Man’, ‘ It’s Too Late’, ‘Express’)

The Original Lead Singer Of THE STYLISTICS And All Their Hits
Russell Thompkins, Jr.

(‘I Can’t Give You Anything (But My Love)’, ‘You Make Me Feel Brand New’, ‘Sing Baby Sing’, ‘I’m Stone In Love With You’, ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’, ‘Betcha By Golly Wow’, ‘Funky Weekend’, ‘You Are Everything’, ‘Sixteen Bars’, ‘Na-Na Is The Saddest Word’)

Deniece Williams
(‘Free’, ‘Let’s Hear It For The Boy’, ‘Too Much, Too Little, Too Late’)

Peabo Bryson
(‘Beauty & The Beast’, ‘A Whole New World (Aladdin’s Theme)’, ‘Tonight I Celebrate my Love’)

The Tymes
(‘’Ms Grace’, ‘You Little Trustmaker’, ‘So Much In Love’)

Freda Payne
(‘Band Of Gold’, ‘Bring The Boys Home’, ‘Deeper & Deeper’)

Melba Moore
(‘This Is It’, ‘Love’s Comin’ At Ya’, ‘Mind Up Tonight’)

Anita Ward
(‘Ring My Bell’);

Fern Kinney
(‘Together We Are Beautiful’)