The Roy Orbison Story featuring Mark Shelley

Experience the wonder of Roy Orbison at the Orange Civic Theatre on Friday, November 8, as Mark Shelley returns with his brilliant portrayal of the man, his music, his voice and his life story.

Mark Shelley has wowed audiences with his characterisation of Roy over many years. He not only has the vocal range and tone to honour his songs, but he also has the sensitivity and artistic ability to ‘be’ Roy.

“In different guises, I've done Roy Orbison songs for quite a long time,” says Mark, a professional touring musician for over 30 years.

“I am both a massive fan and admirer of Roy’s immense talent, singing and songwriting ability. There has been no one like him before or since. His music is timeless.”

Mark first began touring this current show late last year and says the reaction from audiences has been wonderful.

“There’s been lots of warmth from people and good numbers pretty much everywhere we've gone, which has been really nice,” says Mark, who has been surprised by the number of younger people who have been coming to his shows.

“A lot more younger people than I had expected. Many of them say ‘My parents played his music’ or ‘My grandparents played it’. There was one show where a granddaughter had brought her grandmother along because she remembered her grandma played all the songs to her when she was younger. So we're getting multi-generations coming together and all that sort of nice stuff happening.

The Roy Orbison Story is a show that will transport the audience throughout Roy's life, says Mark, from his initial success in the 1960s to the resurgence of his career in the 80s through his legendary Black and White Night concert, his solo album Mystery Girl, and the formation of the supergroup, The Traveling Wilburys.

“A lot of people don't realise the background story of Roy’s life and the different stages… the things that happened to him, some which were quite tragic, but he just had this resilience and kept going – so people seem fascinated by his life,” says Mark

But, of course, it is that incredible voice for which Roy is best remembered.

“I just think his voice is stunning,” says Mark, “and I was sort of blessed enough to be able to sing with that range and in that tone… It is an absolute privilege to perform his songs, share stories, and take the audience on a wonderful journey.” 

The Roy Orbison Story featuring Mark Shelley will have you believing you have been transported back in time, reliving the emotion of each of his songs and the stories of his life 

With backing singers and a seven-piece band behind him, The Roy Orbison Story sees Mark perform 20 classic hits from Orbison’s career, including: Only the Lonely, Running Scared, Sweet Dream Baby, Candy Man, Blue Bayou, In Dreams, Anything You Want, Crying, Workin’ for the Man, Pretty Woman, and more.

See The Roy Orbison Story at the Orange Civic Theatre 8pm on Friday, November 8. Tickets at Ticketek or call 6393 8111.