Lee Ryan, of the British boy band Blue, has expressed his excitement about the group's upcoming performances in India, acknowledging the significant role Indian fans played in the resurgence of their hit song "One Love." Blue is set to perform in Shillong, Gangtok, and Bengaluru as part of their 25th-anniversary world tour in December.
"We are so happy to be finally coming to India," Ryan shared in an exclusive email conversation. He noted that previous scheduled performances were unfortunately canceled, heightening the anticipation for this tour.
Blue, consisting of Lee Ryan, Antony Costa, Duncan James, and Simon Webbe, formed in London in 2000. The band has sold over 15 million albums and has collaborated with prominent artists such as Elton John and Stevie Wonder. Their discography includes hit songs like "All Rise," "Too Close," "If You Come Back," "Fly By," and "Breathe Easy".
Ryan credited Indian fans for the renewed popularity of "One Love," mentioning that the song went viral globally due to Indian fans celebrating it. He expressed gratitude for their support. Fans can anticipate a "musical celebration" during the shows, with the band performing their hits, many of which have gained renewed popularity through social media.
The tour will commence in Shillong on December 11. The band was slated to perform in Shillong in 2023, but the concert was canceled due to logistical and production challenges. The second performance will be in Gangtok on December 13 at Paljor Stadium, marking the first-ever international concert in Sikkim. The Gangtok performance coincides with Sikkim's 50th year of statehood, adding to the significance of the event. K-pop group Everglow will also perform at the Gangtok venue. The tour will conclude in Bengaluru on December 14 at Phoenix Marketcity. The Bangalore show is being called 'Blue Christmas in Bengaluru'.
Ryan also revealed his desire to explore India on a motorbike and document his experiences in a journal. "I would love to get on a motorbike and travel around India and write a journal of my adventures," Ryan shared. He stated that he has always been a fan of India, considering it a spiritual and lovely place, and would like to take the opportunity to get to know the country better.
Tickets for the concerts are available for purchase.
