Chris Norman’s concert in Riga: 50th anniversary of the mega-hit

On April 21, 2025, one of the most significant musical events of the year will take place at Arena Riga – a major solo concert by global pop-rock star Chris Norman. This concert will be special as it marks the 50th anniversary of Chris Norman’s first mega-hit, the song “If You Think You Know How to Love Me.”

This is an event you cannot miss! On April 21, 2025, Riga will become a place of musical magic. World-famous singer and musician Chris Norman, the unmistakable voice of the legendary band “Smokie,” will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the mega-hit “If You Think You Know How to Love Me” on stage at Arena Riga.

Chris Norman has been performing on stage for 56 years, with thousands of concerts and millions of fans worldwide. The Riga concert is a tribute to everyone who has been part of this journey. In Riga, Chris Norman will present a special program featuring not only the classic hits but also new compositions.

In Riga, Chris will present a special program featuring not only beloved classic hits but also new compositions. This concert promises to be more than a musical event—it’s an emotional journey through decades of artistry.

The legend will perform his greatest hits, now considered rock classics, including “Living Next Door to Alice,” “Midnight Lady,” “Needles and Pins,” “Mexican Girl,” “Oh Carol,” and “I’ll Meet You at Midnight,” as well as songs from his new album, “Junction 55”.

A Global Pop-Rock Legend
Music fans worldwide need no introduction to Chris Norman. His distinctive raspy voice even inspired the renaming of his early band Kidness to Smokey, at the suggestion of the group’s management. As the band members explained, Chris’s “smoky” voice was evocative of smoke, hence the eventual renaming to Smokie.

Born Christopher Ward Norman to an artistic family in Yorkshire, England, Chris’s musical taste was influenced by legends such as Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Little Richard, and The Rolling Stones. His father gifted him his first guitar at the age of seven.

In 1962, Chris enrolled at Bradford Boys’ Grammar School, where he met future Smokie bandmates Alan Silson and Terry Uttley.

Initially, the group went through several names — The Yen, Essence, Long Side Down, The Elizabethans — before achieving success under the iconic name Smokie. Their debut album, Pass It Around (1975), produced in collaboration with renowned songwriters Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman, marked the start of their success.

The band’s golden era began in 1978 with the release of The Montreux Album. The hit single “Mexican Girl” became a global sensation, and Chris’s duet with Suzi Quatro, “Stumblin’ In,” climbed to the top 10 of the U.S. Billboard chart. This period brought worldwide fame, packed stadium tours, and adoration from fans on every continent.

A Stellar Solo Career
In 1986, Chris Norman left Smokie to pursue a solo career. His discography includes over 50 singles and more than 30 albums, nine with Smokie and 25 solo records. With over 30 million records sold worldwide, Chris continues to write music and perform live.

After the successful concerts of Chris Norman and Suzi Quatro, he collaborated with Dieter Bohlen, the founder, composer, and singer of Modern Talking, Blue System, and CC Catch.
With the song “Midnight Lady,” Chris Norman reached the pinnacle of popular music charts in many countries. In 2014, he formed the duo “Another Night in Nashville” with CC Catch.

For the past 23 years, the musician has lived on the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea. He has been happily married to his wife, Linda, for over 50 years. Chris and Linda have five children (Brian, Paul, Michael, Steven, and Susan) and four grandchildren.

“The happiest day of my life was my wedding,” Chris shares in interviews, emphasizing the crucial role his wife Linda plays in his life. However, in 2001, the family experienced tragedy when Chris’s son Brian was killed in a motorcycle accident. Despite this devastating loss, Chris Norman overcame his grief and continued his successful career, remaining a beloved figure worldwide.

Expect Hits and New Songs
Chris Norman’s concerts are celebrated for their energy and heartfelt moments.
“Humor and exercise keep me going. Although I really want to be lazy, I force myself to go to the gym, to play sports” Chris says, noting that he makes a point of staying active despite a demanding tour schedule.
Known for both his rock energy and heartfelt ballads, Chris promises a concert in Riga that will be both dynamic and emotional.

Chris Norman’s performance is not just music—it’s a meeting with an era. His songs have been the soundtrack of life for multiple generations. The event on April 21 at Arēna Rīga is a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere and feel the live energy of one of the greatest stars in rock history.
Tickets are available at bilesuserviss.lv.