Halfway musician to sing at Olympics

Edward Bell, aged 24, of Halfway, is set to perform alongside other up-and-coming British acts in an event organised by Emerging Icons at the Olympic Park.
“[Emerging Icons] put me forward to play on Absolute Radio and I got a phone call the next morning. They said: ‘We’d like you to come and play at the Olympics,’ recalled Mr Bell.
“I thought, yikes! Big venue, full band, many people walking past and being paid. Living the dream at last.”
Kat Jackman, founder of the Unsigned Band Review, said: "We thought it would be great to have Edward as part of the Emerging Icons stage because his style is very different to the other artists playing, almost operatic.
“He sings so well and has a lot of charm about him - we think the audience at the Olympic Park will be captivated, giving them something unique to appreciate.”
Mr Bell will be performing on Friday, August 3, which is expected to be one of the busiest days during the 2012 Olympic Games.
“On the day I’m playing they are estimating that 100,000 people will be walking past,” he said, with finals for tennis, swimming, shooting and rowing events, among others, to be held on the day.
But performing to large audiences is something Mr Bell is used to.
When he was six he joined the Queen’s Choir at St George’s Chapel in Windsor, and was only eight when he first sang in front of the Queen.
The talented musician also supported The Stranglers on their European tour earlier this year.
In addition, he has been a regular performer at the Halfway Bistro since September.
“Customers ask when he’s playing next,” said James Callery, head chef at The Halfway. “[They] really enjoy his own songs and his interpretations of covers.”
“A friendly, approachable guy,” he added.
Although admitting he is extremely nervous, Mr Bell is also excited for the opportunity to show the nation his talent.
“People haven’t said yes to coming to see me, they said yes to going to see the Olympics,” he said.
“This is a unique opportunity to show thousands of people from all round the world a slice of homegrown music, and that there is a male equivalent to Adele.”
Mr Bell will be performing five songs, including his debut single Where We’ve Been which is due to be released at the end of July.
The Emerging Icons event is taking place from July 28 to August 11, and during the Paralympics from August 30 to September 8.