Pal’s death inspired Johnny Cash tribute

Clive John brings his Johnny Cash Roadshow to the Grand Theatre on St Leonardgate on April 17 next year.

Johnny’s first daughter Rosanne has described Clive’s resemblance to her father as “uncanny”. After seeing his show in Manchester, she said: “I was in awe of how incredible the performances were.”

And Rosanne’s daughter Caitlin Crowell, Johnny’s grand-daughter has described Clive’s show as being “absolutely authentic to the point where it felt as if it wasn’t a tribute”.

Clive was a singer/songwriter in his right until more than 10 years ago when his best friend and roadie Chris gave him a double album of Johnny Cash’s greatest hits.

He was inspired, and after Chris sadly died from cancer Clive decided to pay homage to his new hero.

“After Chris died I put the Johnny Cash thing on the shelf until the movie Walk The Line came out,” says Clive. “I was so excited after watching the film and connected with the man/music so much I just knew deep down that was the way forward for my career.

“At first friends/family couldn’t understand what I was doing and said I was foolish sacrificing my own ‘Clive John’ career pretending to be Johnny Cash.

“It’s taken a long time and many hurdles have been crossed but I’m very proud to call this show my own and I think most people now understand.

“I am very proud to recently have endorsements from members of the Cash family.”

Clive still writes some new material himself and keeps one of his songs in every show, but admits he has largely put Clive John ‘in a box for now while I am focusing on getting the Johnny Cash Roadshow as good as it can be’.

To book call the Grand box office on 01524 64695 or visit www.lancastergrand.co.uk.