OLLY Murs honoured his late friend Caroline Flack during a poignant and emotional tribute as he kicked off his 2023 tour in Glasgow.
The singer-songwriter, who first found fame on the X-Factor, performed in Scotland for the first time in four years on Friday night as part of his Marry Me tour.
He entertained a packed audience with a lively and fun show at the OVO Hydro when singing old and new tunes including Troublemaker, Dance With Me Tonight, Dear Darlin’ and I Hate You When You’re Drunk.
Speaking to his fans, he said: “I couldn’t think, honestly, of a better place to be on a Friday night than right here in Glasgow,” before revealing there have been times he was worried about his ability to perform again.
“The last four years has been crazy,” he said. “I’m not going to bore you with my life, but I had lots of different operations on my leg. But honestly, to be out on this stage again I never thought it was gonna happen and here I am right now, I’m so buzzing and so excited.”
During the show, he praised the enthusiastic crowd: “I’ve got to say, what an audience you lot are, wow. None of you have sat down, you’ve just stood the whole time, that’s what I love.
“You lot have been absolutely incredible, but I’m just going to change the mood slightly.”
@glasgowtimes Olly Murs pays tribute to his ‘dear friend’ Caroline Flack during his show at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro #ollymurs #glasgow #carolineflack ♬ original sound - Glasgow Times
Holding back tears, Olly went on to explain how hard it was when his “dear friend” and fellow X-Factor presenter Caroline took her own life at the beginning of 2020, aged 40.
He said: “I thought there was only one way I could keep her legacy going and do something for her at every gig, so I thought I would dedicate a song to her at every show that I ever do for the rest of my career.
“I also just want to say if anyone in this room is struggling at any point, there’s always help, there’s always someone that’s there for you and God, I only wish she called me so I could have spoke to her and I could have helped her.
“This is a song you’re all going to know, it’s a slightly different version but I think it’s beautiful. This is Sweet Caroline; this is for you Caz.”
As Olly beautifully performed a slow version of the Neil Diamond hit, several photos of the pair lit up the massive screens as the audience lit up the room by shining the lights on their phones.
The 38-year-old, who dedicated his recent album and tour, to his upcoming wedding, also performed several other covers including Watermelon by Harry Styles.
He spoke about having to create a “wedding playlist” and asked the audience to celebrate his wedding with him as he sang some classic songs including Dancing On the Ceiling, I Want It That Way, and I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles).
Before making his appearance, support act Scouting For Girls took to the stage to perform several of their hits including She’s So Lovely and Elvis Isn’t Dead.
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