Did Tina Turner’s solo career actually get started in Norfolk? 

One music lover claims it did, with a gig at the West Runton Pavilion in or around 1975.

Graham Burdett, 66 and from Cromer, said he was at the now legendary music venue on the north Norfolk coast to hear the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll play alongside her husband, Ike Turner, when they performed as the Ike and Tina Turner Revue.

Eastern Daily Press: The West Runton Pavilion attracted some of the biggest names in music. The West Runton Pavilion attracted some of the biggest names in music. (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Burdett said: “All the big groups played West Runton - the Commodores, Black Sabbath, Status Quo, Queen, you name it. 

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“We went to see Ike and Tina, there’s about 2,000 people there, and there’s a long gap after the support act. 

Eastern Daily Press: Graham Burdett, 66 and from Cromer, said he saw Tina Turner play at the Pavilion.Graham Burdett, 66 and from Cromer, said he saw Tina Turner play at the Pavilion. (Image: Supplied)

“Frank Boswell owned the building and he comes on stage, he’d never done that before. He said 'Ike’s left, do you want to see Tina on her own?' We cheered and yelled out 'yes, please!'

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“So Tina comes on, a little unsure of herself, not used to being on her own, but she did an absolutely fabulous show.

"It was reported on BBC national news the next day that she’d played on her own for the very first time.”

Eastern Daily Press: Tina Turner playing Portman Road in 1990.Tina Turner playing Portman Road in 1990. (Image: JERRY TURNER)

Mr Burdett said he remembered she played some of her early hits such as Proud Mary and Nutbush City Limits. 

Ike and Tina divorced in 1976 after he put her through years of physical and emotional abuse.

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Tina went on to a hugely successful solo career, selling more concert tickets than any other solo performer in history as well as 200 million albums, making her one of the biggest-selling female artists of all time. She died on May 24, aged 83.

Eastern Daily Press: Ike and Tina Turner were a successful musical duo onstage, but Tina suffered years of abuse.Ike and Tina Turner were a successful musical duo onstage, but Tina suffered years of abuse. (Image: Library image)

Although Ike and Tina toured extensively through the 1960s and 70s, there appears to be no other evidence online of her playing the West Runton Pavilion. 

Were you at the same gig? Please get in touch by calling 07584 311 481 or emailing stuart.anderson@newsquest.co.uk