THE David Gest Is Not Dead But Alive With Soul Tour, including York Barbican on July 1, will go ahead as a tribute to both music producer David Gest and soul singer Billy Paul.

Imad Handi, a close friend of former York resident Mr Gest, has been given permission by the late Celebrity Big Brother star's lawyers to press ahead with this summer's shows, where another close friend, Band Of Gold singer Freda Payne, will take over the compère role.

Mr Handi, who co-produced Mr Gest's soul revue tours for several years, hopes fans will wish to pay their respects to the American concert promoter, who died aged 62 in London on April 12.

York Press:

Freda Payne, singing Band Of Gold at York Barbican in September 2015. Picture: David Harrison

In the weeks before his death, Mr Gest had been busy organising his David Gest Is Not Dead But Alive With Soul Tour, so named after a fellow Celebrity Big Brother contestant in January misunderstood "David's dead" to refer to Mr Gest, not David Bowie. He had lined up a bill of Dina Carroll, The Stylistics' Russell Thompkins Jr, Deniece Williams, Peabo Bryson, The Tymes, Freda Payne, Melba Moore, Anita Ward and Fern Kinney.

The York Barbican website quotes Mr Handi as telling the Bang Showbiz entertainment news agency: "Just like myself, all the artists were devastated when they learned David had died. Over the years they had become like a family together due to their close working relationship and the musicians were determined to go ahead with the tour to remember David with their music.

York Press:

Billy Paul, performing Me And Mrs Jones at York Barbican last September. Picture: David Harrison

"Although he was known for his reality TV appearances in the UK, he lived for hosting gigs and his soul revues were always the highlight of his year. I did think about changing the name of the tour but then I decided to keep it as it is in keeping with David's mischievous sense of humour. And also it's true, he may sadly be gone but his spirit is alive in the music he loved."

The 2016 tour show will feature not only musical tributes to David Gest but also a special performance in memory of soul legend Billy Paul, who passed away at his home in Blackwood, New Jersey, on March 24 at the age of 81. He sang Me And Mrs Jones and Let 'Em In at previous David Gest soul revues at York Barbican in October 2014 and September 2015.

The tour also takes in Hull City Hall on July 4 and tickets already bought for the York and Hull concerts remain valid for the new dates. York tickets can be booked on 0844 854 2757 or at yorkbarbican.co.uk; Hull, 01482 300300 or hullcc.gov.uk/hullnewtheatre