He's a legend of American soul music, now Alexander O'Neal, the only performer to sell out six consecutive nights at Wembley Arena, is set to perform a special fundraising show at a pub on the Norfolk Suffolk border.
The singer who has sold millions of albums and enjoyed chart success on both sides of the Atlantic in a career spanning more than 40 years will be at The Oaksmere at Brome, between Diss and Eye, on June 1.
His appearance is a coup for Eye promoter Lee Lucraft who is organising the event as part of the fundraising appeal to help the daughter of British soul singer Kenny Thomas, who lives near Norwich, after she was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour aged five.
Mr Lucraft said: 'Christina is currently undergoing treatment abroad for a brain tumour and we want to help her in anyway we can in her massive fight.
'This is the second time we have put on a show for Christina and I can't people enough for their kindness and generosity last time so there was only one way to top this and that is to make the next event even bigger and better than before and I think I may just have managed to do just that.'
The previous event last September raised £4,000. A Party for Christina will see Alexander O'Neal appear along with Kenny Thomas as well as support from Randy Corwood, a member of soul group The American Drifters, and local performers.
Born in Mississippi, Alexander O'Neal recorded his debut album, called straight-forwardly enough Alexander O'Neal, in 1985. His second album Hearsay contained his biggest hit in this country, Criticize, which peaked at number four in the charts in 1987.
He has released nine studio albums, six compilation albums and two live albums, and having turned 65 last year he has worked on a new album, Resurrected – his first original studio album for 15 years – with funk/soul band Mamma Freedom in Manchester, where he now lives. Mr Lucraft said: 'As from Wednesday, April 3 this event will be posted on Alexander O'Neal's website and I fully expect tickets to sell out very fast from then.'
Mr Thomas has set up a JustGiving page to find an alternative treatment for his daughter. So far more than £67,000 has been raised but the target is £80,000.
• Early bird tickets are priced £37.50 available on 07476 927800. General sale tickets are £41.
• To donate to the appeal visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/kenny-thomas
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