Singer’s last tour

Press, 17 April 1978, Page 6

Singer’s last tour

By

Sandy Southon

Andy Stewart, the Scots singer-entertainer, arrived in Christchurch last evening at the start of his eighth and final tour of New Zealand.

He says he loves New Zealand and hopes to bring his wife and family back for a holiday, “but there is still no place like home.” Andy Stewart says he has decided to give up touring so far afield. He intends to spend more time with his family, especially the newest addition, a baby girl born last year. "I have missed seeing so much of my children growing up, but I am not going to miss this one,” he says.

Andy Stewart has six children, four of them in show business.

His daughter Debbie, who is 18, is a folk singer. She is touring with him and appearing in the show. Another daughter, Tara, is with the Scottish National Ballet, and will be married two days after his return to Scotland.

Even though this is his eighth tour and the public did not know it would be his last, Andy Stewart will open to a full house this evening at the James Hay Theatre. Shows at Timaru and Invercargill have also sold out, and Wellington has all but sold out, according to

the promotor, Mr Tony Goodliffe, who said he was surprised to hear that it was to

be Andy Stewart’s last concert tour of New Zealand. Andy Stewart says he will continue to tour closer to home, in Canada, the United States, and Europe. In September he will make a farewell trip to South Africa. Andy Stewart began his career 27 years ago at the age of 18. In 1976 he was awarded the M.B.E. for his contributions to entertainment. He says he W’ould like to see folk music and Scottish entertainment receive a subsidy in Britain, as do ballet and the theatre.