Russell recently toured with David (The Hitman) Foster and Friends.
They began at the Kokusai International Forum, Tokyo, on 19th and 20th October 2011.
After the first show he Tweeted, “Had an incredible evening with Foster and friends !! So much talent on stage from start to finish . David foster truly is the hit man x” and “Second night in Tokyo – if it’s half as good as last night will have a great night !!! Xxx“
Here’s Russell opening “Earth Song” and being joined by each of David’s friends in turn.
In addition to the ‘Earth Song’, Russell sang three songs on his own and included a brief Volare walkabout.
His first song was “Because We Believe” (Ama Credi E Vai), written by David Foster, his daughter Amy, and Andrea Boccelli for the closing of the Winter Olympics at Turin in 2006.
Here we catch a glimpse or two of Russell and Gary at the aftershow party where David Foster is praising the world-class talents of the entourage…
Following the second night’s performance, Russell Tweeted, “Show number two in the bag !!! Leaving Tokyo at seven in the morning , Malaysia here we come …. X“
The second venue was Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and there is a full report on ‘eCentral’. He later Tweeted, “Kuala Lumpur audience singing Volare in unison last night – astonishingly brilliant! A night I will never forget. x“
Russell is in three of the pictures in this slideshow from MSN Entertainment.
The ‘circus’ moved on to Manila, their arrival having been noted in the Phillipine Daily Enquirer. There is a video (not downloadable) of a Press conference where David explains why he and Charice will not be working so closely together in the future, and then each of the Friends – including Russell – sings a few notes.
There’s a report of the Manila concert by Ricky Lo, writing in the Philippine Star’s ‘Funfare’ section and a very glowing, if slightly long-winded, review on fmt.com.
A number of videos have been posted from the Manila concert –
David Foster opens the show with the theme from St.Elmo’s Fire and introduces Russell
Russell sings Because We Believe
and Volare
then he plays it cool with the shades (spot the ‘prop man’)
Here’s Nessun Dorma!
and, to close the show…
There was another positive report on the concert, describing Russell as ‘hale and hearty’, in the Philippine Daily Enquirer.
Russell was clearly having a good time on this Tour and Tweeted, “manila was a thriller !!! got my picture taken next to the original ali v frazier poster . Was knocked out by the audience , awesome xx”
Onward, then, to Jakarta …
The first of two concerts was at the Plenary Hall on Friday 28th October and Russell Tweeted,
“Jakarta – you rock !! Without doubt one of the best nights on the tour xx“
One of the promoters, BlackRock Entertainment, has had a number of positive Tweets…
“Russell Watson singing “You Raise Me Up” *cry* #DavidFosterJKT“
“Can’t describe what I feels rite now. So speechless!!! Thx for amazing concert tonite @BlackRock_Ent bring it back nextyear“♥ “
We’ve seen nothing at all from the second event, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel.
But we have now seen how the troupers relax. Here’s Russell, glass in hand, ‘jamming’ with Michael Bolton at David’s ‘early’ birthday party …
The penultimate concert at the Grand Theatre seems to have impressed The New Straits Times.
Russellers 