English supergroup Mike and the Mechanics will add a splash of rock’n’roll glitz to the BMW PGA Championship next year when the band fronted by Genesis founding member, Mike Rutherford, makes a rare appearance in their 2016 schedule at Wentworth Club.
The ‘quiet please’ signs will be cast aside following play in the third round of the 2016 event on Saturday, May 28 and the amplifiers cranked up as the multi-million-selling band performs on the new, expanded BMW Show Stage in the Championship Village.
Golf and rock fans can marvel at the world’s leading players in action over the famous West Course before settling down to listen to Mike and the Mechanics belt out a set featuring hit singles such as Silent Running, All I Need Is a Miracle, Word of Mouth, Over My Shoulder and the popular Living Years.
Following their hugely successful 25th anniversary ‘Hits’ tour earlier this year, their Wentworth gig will be one of a select few appearances in 2016 so tickets are expected to be snapped up by rock fans ahead of the festive season.
‘Super Saturday’ promises to be a spectacular occasion both on and off the course, underlining the event’s commitment to merging the worlds of sport and entertainment.
Adult Ticketsfor the public to access both the day’s golf and the Mike and the Mechanics concert at the close of play are available now at the special pre-Christmas price of £35. The price rises to £45 after Christmas and will cost £50 on the gate on May 28 (concession tickets available).
Fans who prefer music to golf haven’t been neglected, either. A limited number of‘Twilight Tickets’are currently available, permitting access to the closing stages of the third round of the BMW PGA Championship from 16.00 and then the concert after play at 17.45. Tickets, costing just £25, are limited and available on a first come, first served basis so music fans are encouraged to guarantee their admission now. To buy tickets for the Championship and/or the concert, visit www.europeantour.com/tickets or call our hotline on 01344 840550
The Wentworth gig will be a highlight for band frontman Mike Rutherford, a self-confessed golf nut who played in the BMW PGA Championship Celebrity Pro-Am last year and will once again be mixing with the superstars of golf, sport, music and entertainment on Wednesday, May 25, 2016.
Mike and the Mechanics have been celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2015, following the band’s launch in 1985 as a highly successful side project for Rutherford, who earned worldwide fame with Genesis. Included in the current line-up will be singers Andrew Roachford and Tim Howar, who, along with other band members Anthony Drennan, Luke Juby and Gary Wallis, are ensuring that the Mechanics are still hitting the road and entertaining their worldwide fan base.
Rutherford is thrilled to be performing on the BMW Show Stage and said: “It promises to be a great experience playing at such an iconic venue as Wentworth.
At least I will be back in my comfort zone with a guitar rather than a golf club in my hands! - Rutherford
“Having said that, I loved the experience of playing in the BMW PGA Pro-Am with Ian Poulter, Jodie Kidd and my fellow musician Tom Chaplin of Keane in 2014. There is nothing better than watching world-class golfers close up and actually being able to play 18 holes with them. That’s the beauty of the game and I can’t wait to play golf on Wednesday and then get back on stage with my band to entertain the fans on Saturday.”
Jamie Birkmyre, Championship Director of the BMW PGA Championship, added: “A few years ago, we had the pleasure of organising ‘The Concert on the Course’ at the nearby 18th fairway of the East Course, when Ronan Keating, INXS and Mick Hucknall headlined while more recently we could dance along to the Jones Gang on the Show Stage.
“Now, it’s a real treat to welcome Mike and his terrific band of musicians onto the improved BMW Show Stage in the Championship Village after play on Saturday of event week. As well as being one of the top songwriters in the world, Mike is passionate about golf and we are excited that he will be entertaining our spectators, professional golfers, officials and everyone associated with making the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club such a prestigious and fun event.”
In addition to the aforementioned Golf & Concert and Twilight Ticket packages, advance tickets for next year’s BMW PGA Championship are currently on sale. Those represent outstanding value for money, especially if purchased as part of the Championship’s pre-Christmas offers. Corporate packages are also available from Wednesday to Sunday. For further information or to book now visit www.europeantour.com/tickets or call 01344 840550
