was honoured with a special all-star event at London’s Roundhouse last night (October 21st).
It’s 20 years since the British icon released ‘Back To Black’, a truly generational release that reframed pop music in the process. Filtering doo-wop and soul through the hip-hop CDs of her youth, Amy blended truly incredible vocals with the kind of songwriting that only comes along every decade or so.
An immediate success, the album remains a thrilling listen, inspiring generations of female vocalists on both sides of the Atlantic.
Last night at London’s Roundhouse – situated in Amy’s old Camden stomping ground – a plethora of stars united to honour her memory.
The band drew from Amy’s old live band, reuniting old friend in the process. – who produced six songs on ‘Back To Black’ – appeared onstage, helping to open the concert by performing ‘Back To Black’ with .
performed ‘Just Friends’, while brought her own character to a sublime ‘Tears Dry On Their Own’.
, , and each performed classics from the album, with Mercury nominated songwriter opting for ‘You Know I’m No Good’.
brought the house down with her take on iconic hit ‘Rehab’, before the entire ensemble united for ‘Valerie’.
commented: “It’s crazy that six songs made in a fit of furious musical infatuation would matter so deeply to so many people twenty years later.”
Fellow producer added: “Amy was one of one. One-of-a-kind artist. One-of-a-kind spirit. One-of-a-kind soul. Experiencing that level of talent, passion, humour, honesty, and love for what she created was a gift.”
For the 20th anniversary of “Back To Black”, UMR/Island are releasing a very special definitive 3LP clear vinyl and 3CD re-issue package, plus various limited edition 1LP pressings of the original studio album. All digital and physical formats land on October 23rd.
The concert will be broadcast on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer on Saturday 24th October at 9.35pm, as part of a night of programming celebrating Amy, and on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds on Monday 26 October, 7–9pm, within Jo Whiley’s show. BBC Radio 6 Music will also celebrate Amy’s legacy on Friday 23rd October with Amy Winehouse Forever (7am-9pm).