Osmonds come to Westcliff to say farewell to fans (From Thurrock Gazette)

Osmonds come to Westcliff to say farewell to fans

2:40pm Wednesday 21st March 2012 in Sound Check By Hannah Marsh

THEY launched the image of a squeaky clean boy band with matching haircuts and cheesy grins that would inspire a thousand copy cats to the formula.

And original outfit the Osmonds will be at the Cliffs Pavilion this Saturday on their last-ever UK tour.

It is the last chance UK fans will have to say goodbye to the brothers, who are taking their music on a farewell tour after finally deciding to focus on their own projects – musical or otherwise.

In an interview with the Echo, Jimmy explained: “We’re a family. We’re always going to do the odd date together, but for the past 53 years or so us brothers have been performing together. We all decided we’re at the age where some of us want to pursue their own thing.

“We thought let’s do one last big one in the UK and say thank you to the people and friends who have been with us for so long.”

Instead of the huge arenas they’ve filled in the past, the brothers decided to take on a series of smaller venues, so they could say goodbye in more intimate fashion to the fans who’ve followed them for years.

Well known for hits including One Bad Apple, Love me For a Reason and Crazy Horse, the group have always enjoyed a massive following on this side of the Atlantic. Although their fans have got older with the band, Jimmy said the atmosphere at live gigs is as good as ever.

“It’s a lot more fun for us now,” he admitted. “Before, no one would hear what you were saying because they were screaming. Nowadays the energy’s the same, but different.”

The Osmonds are at the Cliffs Pavilion, Westcliff, on Saturday at 7.30pm. This gig is sold out, but for returns, call 01702 351135.