Adrian Dunbar Singing Hold Back The Night

Alright, gather 'round, folks. I've got a tale to tell you about a man, a song, and a night that's been giving us all the feels since the '80s. I'm talking about Adrian Dunbar and his rendition of 'Hold Back The Night'. Now, you might know Adrian as the no-nonsense DS Bobby Grace from 'Line of Duty', but today, we're not talking about bent coppers or corrupt AC-12. Today, we're diving into the world of '80s pop, where Adrian was a heartthrob with a voice smoother than a well-aged whiskey.

From Stage to Screen

Now, you might be thinking, 'How did this happen? How did a man known for his gruff, Northern Irish accent become a pop sensation?' Well, my friends, it all started in the late '70s when Adrian was a struggling actor, treading the boards in various theatre productions. One night, after a particularly grueling performance, he found himself in a pub, drowning his sorrows in a pint of the black stuff. The pub's pianist started playing 'Hold Back The Night', and before you could say 'audition', Adrian was up on stage, belting out the lyrics like a man possessed.

Word spread like wildfire, and soon enough, Adrian was being scouted by record labels. He signed with Polydor Records, and in 1981, 'Hold Back The Night' was released, complete with Adrian's distinctive Northern Irish twang. And let me tell you, folks, it was a sensation. It reached number two in the UK charts, only beaten by John Lennon's 'Imagine' (which, let's face it, had a bit of a head start).

Adrian Dunbar: The Original Heartthrob

Now, I've seen some of you young whippersnappers scrolling through your phones, laughing at the thought of Adrian Dunbar being a heartthrob. Well, let me tell you, he was the original Northern Irish dreamboat. With his tousled hair, his piercing eyes, and that voice that could make a nun melt, he was every teenage girl's fantasy. He even had a fan club, for crying out loud!

But here's where it gets even more surprising. Adrian wasn't just a pretty face. He was a genuine music lover, with a passion for soul and R&B. He even supported the likes of Ben E. King and The Drifters on tour. And get this - he was such a fan of The Temptations that he actually sang backing vocals on their album 'The Temptations in Concert'. Yes, that's right. The man who'd go on to play some of the grumpiest coppers on TV was once singing harmony with The Temptations. Life's full of surprises, isn't it?

Adrian Dunbar: The Comeback King

Now, you might think that Adrian's musical career fizzled out after the '80s, but you'd be wrong. Oh, so wrong. In 2018, he made a comeback with a new version of 'Hold Back The Night', recorded with the legendary DJ and producer, Norman Jay. And let me tell you, folks, it's a belter. It's got that same soulful sound that made the original a hit, but with a modern twist that'll have you dancing in your kitchen.

And here's where things get even more amazing. Adrian, now in his 60s, started performing the song live again. He's been singing it at gigs and festivals, and let me tell you, the crowd goes wild. It's like they've all been waiting for this moment their whole lives. It's like... it's like they're holding back the night, just like the song says.

Adrian Dunbar: The Man, The Myth, The Legend

So there you have it, folks. The story of Adrian Dunbar, the actor who became a pop star. The man who went from singing in pubs to supporting The Temptations. The heartthrob who made us all swoon in the '80s and is still making us dance today. He's a man of many talents, and a true testament to the power of a good song.

And the next time you're watching 'Line of Duty', and DS Grace is giving you the stink eye, just remember - under that gruff exterior beats the heart of a pop star. A pop star who once held back the night, and held our hearts in his hands.