Elton John tribute, who received life-saving double lung transplant at just 19, is set to perform in Northampton

Charles Michael Duke was given three years to live when he was 19 and nine years later he is travelling the world and performing to thousands after undergoing surgery that saved his life.

The 28-year-old was born with cystic fibrosis and needed new lungs. It was in May 2018 when he received what he describes as “the gift of life”, as if it had been left any longer he was told he may not have survived.

He recovered in hospital for just 16 days before he was sent home, with a new lease of life and the motivation to make his dreams a reality.

Charles has headlined across the globe in his self-production ‘Are You Ready For Love: The Story of Sir Elton John’. The tribute show has already been performed more than 120 times since its launch in 2022.

It is fast becoming “one of the world’s most exciting tributes to Elton John” and Charles is an experienced performer – with the O2, The Shard and cruise ships under his belt, just to name a few.

The 28-year-old said: “While I was awaiting the transplant, it was the dream of performing for a living that kept me going. I wasn’t so bothered about dying, but more worried I might never live.

“Having been through everything I have, I know how hard life can be. It’s a real privilege to be able to travel around the country, taking people away from whatever is going on in their lives for two hours and hopefully putting a smile on their faces.”

Charles will be performing at The Picturedrome on June 14, after his tour of the country began in April.

When asked what audience members like most about his performance, Charles said: “I try to sound like him and do an impression when I’m singing, but I’m myself as the host between songs.

“I’m younger at 28 and most tributes impersonate a current day Elton, but I do a seventies and eighties version. I don’t just sit and play, I get up, prance around and I’m energetic.”

Charles likes to share his story ahead of performing in a new area, to raise awareness of the amazing gesture of his donors.

“I’m not here to convince anyone to sign up and be a donor,” he said. “Hopefully they’ll come to that conclusion themselves. Anyone can do it and transform someone’s life.

“I have the outlook of a 70 or 80 year old, but I’m lucky enough to have a body that people of that age may regret they didn’t make the most of.

“I take every opportunity and experience offered. The transplant isn’t a cure, it’s swapping it out for a new set of problems. You never know when or why it might go downhill.”

Following nine unsuccessful auditions in a row last year, Charles saw the perfect opportunity to make a go of his Elton John tribute act – alongside booking other jobs on cruises and internationally.

For more information and to secure your tickets, visit this website: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/michael-duke-company/are-your-ready-for-love-northampton/e-ralgoz