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Suzanne Lynch has completed two world tours with Cat Stevens, recorded three albums with him, and toured and sung with global music royalty.
In her seventh decade in showbiz, Lynch believes she’s exactly where she should be. “I love the way you can lift an audience up,” said the Kiwi singer and performer.
“The adrenaline we can all feel when the audience is with you and enjoying your performance as much as you are. It’s the best feeling in the world.”
Lynch is part of next month’s DIVAS! Christmas Special in Tauranga – a new and larger version of 2024’s smash-hit tour, celebrating great female artists of the past six decades.
The concert will be held at Mercury Baypark Arena, delivering a large-scale production to an audience in their thousands, with most tickets already snapped up.
Lynch’s career began at 14 with sister Judy Donaldson, as part of the pop group The Chicks.
She was discovered by guitarist Peter Posa. “We asked Peter for his autograph, and he said: ‘Not unless you sing a song’. So we did – in two-part harmony!” Lynch recalled.
“Peter’s manager, Ron Dalton, just happened to be looking for a new act. He signed us up and the rest is history.”
The Chicks had major hits in New Zealand with Miss You Baby, Timothy, Hucklebuck and more.
Lynch entertained the nation on TV shows C’mon and Happen Inn, before heading abroad to record vocals on albums of international stars.
She worked with Cat Stevens, now known as Yusuf Islam. “I loved working with him. We rehearsed a lot, so everything was always perfect on stage.”
Nerves didn’t get the better of her and as a young Kiwi travelling the world with a music superstar, she just wanted to enjoy the ride. “It was all in all an exciting, wonderful experience.”
In the UK, Lynch formed one of the most in-demand vocal groups, providing backing vocals on records for some of the biggest artists of the time.
Now she’s part of The Lady Killers – and has been for more than 20 years with Jackie Clarke and Tina Cross, who are part of the DIVAS! line-up.
The DIVAS! Christmas Special will also involve singer/songwriter Annie Crummer.
“I love to sing with Jackie and Tina, our voices are so different, but when put together in harmony, the sound is amazing,” Lynch said.
“I’m so looking forward to the DIVAS! Christmas Special with my good friend Annie Crummer. I will sing a Joni Mitchell song I’ve always loved, plus many more amazing Diva songs with my besties.”
Lynch can’t wait to star in DIVAS! “Music and singing has always been my life, and as Jackie often says to me, ‘It’s just who you are’. I have always – if it feels right – just followed my gut and said yes. Give it a try ... it works!”
The DIVAS! Christmas Special will feature stunning hits from the most-cherished Divas spanning generations, including a sprinkle of Christmas songs to kick off the festive season and a celebration of Kiwi classics too.
With three seating tiers sold out, only tickets for the last two tiers are left.
Lynch urges everyone who loves good music to head along for a great night out. “We have quite a show lined up for you!”
The DIVAS! Christmas Special is on November 28 at Mercury Baypark Arena. Get tickets at: www.divas.co.nz.