Busted & Fightstar's Charlie Simpson To Battle Martian Invasion As He Joins The War Of The World's Tour 2025
Charlie Simpson follows in the footsteps of Gary Barlow, Brian McFadden, Marti Pellow and Justin Hayward as he joins Jeff Wayne’s The War of the Worlds for the role of the Sung Thoughts of The Journalist
The winner of The Masked Singer 2023, and renowned as a warrior of the pop industry with bandmates Fightstar and Busted, frontman Charlie Simpson today announces that he’ll be using his gravel-voiced pop vocals on his next mission to battle a Martian invasion, as he joins the cast of Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds The Spirit of Man Tour 2025.
Other cast members are also announced as Anna-Marie Wayne steps up as Carrie (the Journalist’s Fiancée), whilst Nathan James takes on the The Voice of Humanity when the show comes to Aberdeen’s P&J Live on Tuesday 1st April 2025.
Charlie will be playing the role of The Sung Thoughts of the Journalist, which has previously been performed by Gary Barlow (recorded), and on tour with Brian McFadden, Marti Pellow and Justin Hayward. Charlie, Anna-Marie and Nathan join an all-star cast alongside, Enter Shikari’s Rou Reynold (The Artilleryman), The Wanted’s Max George (Parson Nathaniel) and Maisie Smith (Beth, The Parson’s Wife).
"When Jeff Wayne called to ask whether I wanted to perform the role of The Sung Thoughts of The Journalist in his next arena tour, I knew I had to rise to the challenge — who wouldn’t want to battle against the Martians?” says Charlie. “The War of The Worlds is one of those iconic pieces of music that’s become a building block in popular culture over the last forty-six years. I have vivid memories of listening to the album during my childhood, and I’m so thrilled that I get to sing 'The Eve of The War' and 'Forever Autumn' next year on arena stages across the country."
Jeff Wayne comments: “Since we began touring arenas in 2006 with my musical version of TWOTW, I’ve been so fortunate to have attracted a range of artists whose careers I’ve first admired, and then I discover they’re keen to come on board our Martian adventure. In March 2025 when we hit the road, our cast will be full of distinction once again, and I’m happy that I can now announce our last new cast member - Charlie Simpson of Busted and Fightstar fame, who has both a wonderful voice and physical presence that will grace the stage in our coming The Spirit of Man tour as The Sung Thoughts of The Journalist.”
Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of The Worlds is back with a monumental new 17-date (19 shows) UK and Ireland arena tour, arriving just in time to celebrate 130 years since the publication of HG WELLS’ dark Victorian tale. Conducted by Jeff Wayne and featuring Liam Neeson in 3D holography as The Journalist, who recounts his story of survival from the Martian invasion of 1898.
The tour will feature an exciting new cast to star alongside Charlie Simpson including, Rou Reynolds, The Wanted’s Max George and Maisie Smith (Eastenders & Strictly). One of the most trailblazing arena tours of all time, Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds (TWOTW) ‘The Spirit of Man Tour’ returns with a musical spectacular like none other, with the production remaining a favourite to millions around the world, exciting audiences of all ages.
In 2006, TWOTW was already considered a cutting-edge production with six trucks filled to the brim. By 2025, marking 19 years of live touring, the production will be up to 12 trucks, with a host of new ingredients and special effects to challenge and excite the senses.
Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds – a musical experience not to be missed.
Tickets are on sale now from https://www.pandjlive.com/events/jeff-waynes-the-war-of-the-worlds/
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There is a wide range of food and beverage options available to purchase for concerts and events, including catering outlets offering a variety of hot food options.
Please note - it is against venue policy to allow patrons to bring in their own food and drink to the venue. At P&J live it is our aim to be completely cashless, all of our bars, kiosks and restaurants accept card payments, this is more efficient, safe and ensures a speedy transaction. There are therefore no cash machines on the TECA site.
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Yes, there is parking available on-site at P&J Live.
There are various ways to pay for your parking at P&J Live
On site payment machines: We accept both cash and card payments on site, pay on exit is required by entering your vehicle registration at any one of our machines located in the car parks. Please note payment machines only take coins and not notes.
APCOA Connect App: Up to 24 hour after you have left the venue, you can pay for your parking on the APCOA Connect App. Once you have downloaded the app, use location code 6680 for the Sub-T Car Park (underground) and location code 2356 for the Surface Car Park.
You can also pay for parking via the APCOA website here, click which car park you parked in and then you will be able to pay for parking.
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At P&J Live it is our aim to be completely cashless, all of our bars, kiosks and restaurants accept card and contactless payments. This is more efficient, safe and ensures a speedy transaction.
There are no cash machines on the TECA sites.
- What bus can take me to P&J Live?
Regular buses will be coming in and out of the complex daily for public use. Details on bus routes and operators are still in discussion and any updates will be posted on the getting here page of the website.
Currently, the Stagecoach Service 727 runs regularly from Aberdeen City Centre to Aberdeen Airport, stopping in the TECA site as well as the 9A/X9 Service from Union Square to Inverurie. Updated timetables can be found here.
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Booking accessibility tickets has never been easier, this can now be booked online via AXS. If you are able or have someone to assist you please visit P&J Live's AXS Page, select the event you wish to see and click on ‘Wheelchair Tickets’ or ‘Ambulant Accessible Tickets’ to select your required seating and any companion tickets (if required).
Our seating configuration is flexible so the wheelchair and ambulant seating locations will vary from event to event, it is usual for us to have several locations for you to choose from, for wheelchair users; at the front of the flat floor seating beside the stage, a raised platform at the rear of the floor and also there are a few locations in our balcony area.
Further information on accessibility at the Venue can be found on our Accessibility page.