The Lowdown - Kid Creole
Born in the Bronx, August Darnell adopted the name Kid Creole in 1980. Exposed in his childhood to the melting pot of sounds in New York, Kid’s music is as influenced by Latin, disco, calypso, rock’n’roll, R&B, jazz and funk as it is by The Beatles, Frank Sinatra and Cab Calloway.
By Harry Owen
February 14 2023
What does summer mean to you?
Summer used to be my favourite time of year, but it has lost its power since I moved to Hawaii. Why? Because in Hawaii, summer is all year long! When I lived in New York City, the arrival of summer meant shorts and sandals and row-boating and horse-drawn carriage rides in Central Park.
What are you most looking forward to when coming to London to perform at Boisdale?
I’m looking forward to it primarily because it will be an opportunity to see all my erstwhile London comrades who have more money than sense. Remember my song, “Welcome To The Lifeboat Party”? Well, this show is guaranteed to be the party of the year! We haven’t played London in a very long time, so every Creolian in that wondrously over-crowded metropolis should come join the Proverbial Conga Line of Life.
You’ve collaborated with plenty of big names over the years. Which ones have made an impression?
My greatest collaboration so far has been with Barry Manilow. And now, some magical trivia for you: Barry initially wanted to do the duet with Gloria Estefan, but she declined the opportunity. I was his second choice. Imagine that, second choice to Gloria! Anyway, pride did not get in my way.
Which track do you most enjoy performing live?
My songs are my babies. They are all treated equally. I have no favourites. But we are going to do some songs at Boisdale that we haven’t done live for ages…

What do you think is the future of music in this digital age?
The future of music looks very healthy indeed. Once upon a time, the cassette and the CD threatened to kill the music business, after vinyl proved to be too scratchalific. The rebellion failed. The music business will always survive.
How do you like to spend your time when you’re not performing or recording?
I prefer to be surrounded by as many family members as possible. I have nine children, so it is often difficult to get them all together at once. But I try.
You published your first book last year. Tell us about the series and the concept behind it.
Call Me Mister Lyrical is a series of books dedicated to the words for every song I have ever written. There will be at least 24 volumes. The concept came about when my wife, Eva, read aloud to me what was printed online as the lyric for “Stool Pigeon”. They got it wrong. I decided, then and there, to set the record straight for posterity.
What inspires you to keep making music?
I used to write 10 songs a week. Nowadays, I’m lucky if I write 10 songs a year. Other things in life have become more important than music, I dare say. But I still believe in the power of music to inspire me and to inspire others.
WHAT'S ON
Discover what's going on across our famous venues
Jazz Dynamos
Canary Wharf
21 May 2025
Making their debut at Boisdale, Jazz Dynamos are a five-piece band that take well-known songs from the 70s and 80s and transform them with a mix of jazz, bossa and samba.
Matt 'Jam' Lamont
Hine Bar & Garden Terrace
22 May 2025
From Boyz II Men to Usher & En Vogue, Matt ‘Jam’ Lamont shaped UKG’s golden era. Expect deep house, garage anthems & some serious old-school fire.
Edith Piaf by Susan Black
Canary Wharf
27 May 2025
Performing classics that defined Piaf’s legacy, this performance promises to be a poignant and memorable journey through the music and life of "La Môme Piaf".
The Jive Aces
Canary Wharf
28 May 2025
With a repertoire spanning Louis Prima, Bobby Darin, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, plus their own acclaimed originals, this multi-award-winning band has dazzled audiences from the Royal Albert Hall to Hollywood and now they are coming to Boisdale of Canary Wharf.
The Real Thing
Canary Wharf
29 May 2025-30 May 2025
The first black British band to reach Number 1 with their signature song, You To Me Are Everything, The Real Thing provided the soundtrack to millions. Cath the British Soul Giants live at Boisdale of Canary Wharf.
Imagine: Lennon
Canary Wharf
5 June 2025
John Lennon, reimagined by Tyson Kelly - the acclaimed performer who’s channelled Lennon on Broadway’s Let It Be and as the frontman for The UK’s #1 Beatles act, The Bootleg Beatles. With over 15 years perfecting the role, he doesn’t just sound like Lennon - he becomes him. A must for any true Beatles devotee.