The Beautiful South and The Housemartins singer-songwriter Paul Heaton has hit a bit of a milestone lately – his sixtieth birthday. Whereas some people might want to celebrate their big day with a quiet night in, sharing it with close friends and family, Heaton is keen on inviting the whole nation to celebrate.
Last Saturday he announced on Twitter what he had planned, handpicking “60 pubs across the UK and Ireland and [putting] a given amount of money behind the bar of each one. Then, both regulars and yourselves can enjoy a birthday drink on me (until the money runs out or the bar runs dry!).”
Apparently, the original plan was for him to tour the UK and Ireland’s pubs on a bike, performing for his fans. Luckily for the more ‘alcohol-friendly’ out there however, covid meant the free-drink idea went forward instead.
Yesterday Heaton posted on Twitter the list of 60 pubs included in his free-drinks campaign, which you can see down below. Heaton attributes this act of generosity to wanting to “bring people together on the day, whilst recognising that many folk who bought my records or showed me support over the years could do with a wee party as we come out of COVID and hit potential financial struggles.”
Here’s a list of all 60 pubs taking part in Paul’s birthday tomorrow (Monday). Thanks to all the pubs and to everyone who visits them. It would be great to see photos of you all enjoying your free drinks and celebrations at each pub throughout the day! https://t.co/QNONRGr8Tp pic.twitter.com/xPzE5W4xiN
— Paul Heaton (@PaulHeatonSolo) May 8, 2022
To be fair, it’s hardly a surprise how pub-focused the celebrations are. Heaton’s had a history in the drinks industry, having owned his own pub in Salford (The King’s Arms) and even using his barring privileges on former Prime Minister David Cameron. He also played football for Hull’s Mainbrace pub for 14 years, so it seems quite a fitting tribute to something so important in his life.
As for his music, Heaton’s got a few tour dates coming up with old Beautiful South bandmate Jacqui Abbott, coming about in June and July and which can be seen down below.
The duo’s 2020 album Manchester Calling was their first to top the UK Albums Chart in over twenty years, with The Guardian saying that it had “richly observed, gently acerbic vignettes about the vagaries of British life, delivered over a mix of steadily uptempo pop, folk, ska and soul.” They also did a free gig for NHS workers back in 2020 in Nottingham Arena, showing their generosity doesn’t just extend to alcohol. Tickets for the duo’s upcoming shows can be gotten here.
Paul Heaton UK and Ireland Tour Dates
04/06/2022 – St Annes Park – Dublin
16/06 – Isle of Wight Festival – Newport
18/06 – Isle of Wight Festival – Newport
22/07 – St Helens R.F.C Stadium – St Helens
23/07 – Eco-Power Stadium – Doncaster
