THE BROTHER of world renowned pop star Peter Andre is visiting Abergavenny for an exclusive, up-close night of music.

Chris Andre is a talented multi-instrumentalist and is bringing his brand of genre-spanning musicianship to Nevill Hall Social Club for one night only on Friday, January 15.

Usually based in Cyprus, the working musician often accompanies his famous younger brother on his arena tours across the UK and beyond.

So why has Chris chosen to visit unassuming Abergavenny?

He said, “I love doing smaller gigs and music nights, it gives me a chance to meet my audiences and interact with them on a more personal level than the massive arena concerts I play with Pete.”

Chris was invited to play the Nevill Hall Social Club by Shelene Woodhouse, who works at the hospital, when she spoke to him and Peter at a meet and greet event.

She said, “The Andre brothers are all really genuine, down-to-earth guys, and when Chris told me he likes to play smaller venues across the country, I thought that our social club would be the perfect place!”

The music evening will be used to raise money for 2 Wish Upon a Star, a locally based charity that works with bereaved parents who are coping with the loss of a child.

Chris said, “I like to make my small gigs count for something, and I love to raise money for local charities, where you know every penny will be going back to help people in that area.”

He added, “2 Wish Upon a Star is such a good cause and they do great work.

“A few years ago my brother Andrew passed away. Our family had nine months to prepare for it, and it was so difficult, so I dread to think what it must be like for those who have to cope with sudden loss.”

Chris is a multi-instrumentalist, and plays guitar and fiddle, as well as bouzouki, a Greek instrument similar to the mandolin.

He draws inspiration from a broad range of influences, including the blues and rock guitar playing of Santana, Eric Clapton and Mark Knopfler, as well as traditional Greek and Irish music.

He said, “I like to think that my style of playing is very much my own. It’s been influenced by so many things, and I call it Mediterranean Blues.”

Chris likes to draw upon his Cypriot Greek heritage, and sometimes plays Zorba’s Dance as part of his set, the famous song from the 1964 film.

He said, “I think that my family’s musical talent comes from our dad.

“Although he never learned to play an instrument himself, he had a real appreciation of music, and our grandfather was a Psalmist singer at church in Cyprus.”

Chris is always excited to play smaller venues.

He said, “Many people think of pubs and clubs as apprentice level gigs, but I never wanted to lose the great atmosphere of those venues.

“I think to be a professional musician you have to love the people as much as you love the music, and I’m looking forward to meeting the people of Abergavenny.”

Chris Andre is playing at Nevill Hall Social Club at 7pm on Friday, January 15.

Tickets can be purchased from ticketsource.co.uk/date/217408

For more information about 2 Wish Upon a Star visit 2wishuponastar.org