The London-born musician is most known for his notable West End appearance, where he portrayed the late John Lennon in the production of the musical ‘Let It Be’. Despite his theatre performances, Canning is defined more by his singer-songwriter persona, firmly established in a soft rock&roll genre.

Canning began his discography in 2017 with the release of his first studio album, This Acoustic. This album featured covers of songs by artists such as Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, The Police and many more. Canning has continued to release acoustic covers that gain him popularity; his cover of Shania Twain’s You’re Still The One is the most acclaimed, with almost 5 million streams on Spotify.

The trained vocalist used this new popularity to score an opening act with the famous British rock-band 10cc, known for their number 1 hit song I’m Not In Love. Canning toured with the band for their 2019 U.K. Tour, playing famous venues such as The Royal Albert Hall in May of that year. To this day, Canning occasionally sings lead for 10cc when the band is need of a filler vocalist.

Graham Gouldman, of 10cc, features on Canning’s 2020 album as dueling singer and bassist for the song The Loud Room. Gouldman is not the only rock legend to appear on Bandwagon as Jo Webb of the band Electric Light Orchestra has contributed lead guitar on many of the tracks off the new album.

View this post on Instagram

Really wonderful couple of gigs with 10cc this last few days. Started off in Denmark and tonight we were in Belgium. #10cc #smukfest #fonnefeesten

A post shared by Paul Canning (@paulcanning_official) on Aug 10, 2019 at 4:03pm PDT

In promotion for the newly released album Bandwagon Canning appeared on radio interviews with BBC’s Oxford and Northampton stations in early October. In lieu of live-shows or performances due to safety concerns surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, Canning also hosted a live (virtual) performance of his single Under The Radar for Electric Umbrella TV.

Acoustic guitar plays a starring role on this newly released album and Canning continues to showcase his expert ability to produce clear and powerful vocals over top a vintage rock sound. Canning is known for his poetic lyricism and this is evident throughout his newest record.

While there are no current tour-dates or live-show announcements for 2020 or 2021, listeners of Canning’s famous acoustic cover-songs can now experience his original work through this newly released album Bandwagon. Streaming is available on all platforms as of today October 26th, 2020.

“The audiences in the UK and Europe were so good. We’re looking forward to bringing a new show and some musical surprises this fall. I can’t wait.”

The tour begins in Oslo on September 19. They’ll be stopping off for dates in the UK on October 5, headlining two nights at the 02 Arena. Tickets go on sale January 31, (9 am). The ‘Mr. Blue Sky’ band will be playing dates throughout Germany, Amsterdam, Ireland, and Glasgow.

For the full tour list, check out the dates below.

September

19/9/20 – Telenor Arena, Oslo.
21/9 – Ericsson Globe Arena, Stockholm.
23/9 – Jyske Bank Boxen, Herning.
26/9 – Barclaycard Arena, Hamburg.
27/9 – Mercedes-Benz Arena, Berlin.
29/9 –  Lanxess Arena, Cologne.
30/9 – Olympiahalle, Munich.

October

2/10 – Ziggo Dome, Amsterdam.
5/10 – O2 Arena, London.
6/10 – O2 Arena, London.
11/10 – Arena Birmingham, Birmingham.
16/10 – Manchester Arena, Manchester.
18/10 – SSE Arena, Belfast.
19/10 –  3Arena, Dublin, Ireland,
21/10 – SSE Hydro Arena, Glasgow.

His latest album, ‘From Out Of Nowhere’, was warmly received by critics. The Guardian awarded the fourteenth album four out of five stars. They said: “Like its predecessor, Alone In The Universe, this album is entirely good-natured, firmly in the lineage of classic ELO, without ever quite hitting the heights of the past.”

Loudersound further acclaimed the 72-year old’s latest work with a four-star review of their own.

It reads: “Some might decry these songs’ easy-going nature, but for millions this will serve as affirmation, reassurance that some things in life never change – and why would you want them to?”

It goes on to say: “Why mess with a blueprint when the blueprint resonates so strongly?”

Jeff Lynne said of this achievement:

“Thirty five years between number one albums! I’m totally amazed. Thanks to everyone that made it possible.”

Jeff Lynne is named alongside a number of artists to be honoured at the O2 Silver Clef Awards. Jeff Lynne will collect the Icon Award: other artists include Massive Attack, Hozier, Craig David, and Patti Smith, to name a select few.

Since April, Jeff Lynne’s ELO have completed a massive UK arena tour which started in Liverpool and included four nights at London’s O2 Arena. After Glastonbury, they have taken a short break and will perform three nights in Los Angeles and two in New York City.

9/9 – Los Angeles – Hollywood Bowl
10/9 – Los Angeles – Hollywood Bowl
11/9 – Los Angeles – Hollywood Bowl
16/9 – New York City – Radio City Music Hall
18/9 – New York City – Radio City Music Hall

Formed in 1970, ELO have accumulated an extensive discography commencing with the eponymous The Electric Light Orchestra in 1971. The 1970s included a further seven albums and three in the 1980s.

Watch ‘Mr Blue Sky’ below at Glastonbury courtesy of BBC Music.