Powerhouse vocalist Mary Kiani best known for her chart‑topping work with The Time Frequency and her successful solo career with Mercury Records will be taking over The Royal Vauxhall Tavern on Saturday 5th September 2026 for an exclusive London event celebrating the launch of her stunning new album Reimagined. QX got to chat with Mary about her latest album being launched at The RVT as she reflects on her career in music.
What makes An Audience with Mary Kiani at The Royal Vauxhall Tavern such a special event?
Well, for one, just being in the RVT is always going to be special. My music and I have a strong connection with the audience. A time in all our lives that was very special and always great to talk about.
Your new album Reimagined has been described as unlike anything you’ve released before. What inspired this direction?
I’ve got to say my darling Ross Alexander was the inspiration and the driving force behind this album. The music was already there, but it’s all been brought back to life and reimagined by some talented producers, remixers, etc.
The album is being released as a 32‑track USB credit card. Why choose such a modern format?
I kept hearing “I’ve not got a CD player” too many times. Well, who hasn’t got a computer or access to one? We are still offering CD and vinyl for those few. We like to try and keep as many people as possible happy, so that as many happy people as possible will buy and listen.
You worked with Matt Pop on the new tracks. What was that collaboration like?
Matt’s a beautiful, talented soul. It’s a case of trusting him to do a great job, and he did. He’s done so much work for Ross already that you get his vibe. I’m over the moon with what he’s done with my new originals.
Fans will be excited to hear refreshed versions of your 90s hits. What was it like revisiting those songs?
Those songs will always be special to me, and some of the mixes can’t be touched, but I think there’s new life in the new versions, and I’m very happy about that.
You’ve had an incredible career, from The Time Frequency (TTF) to Mercury Records. How do you reflect on those early years?
Well, before that I was a well-respected, busy, successful session musician, but singing with TTF opened up a whole new world for me. I was no longer the voice in the background; I was lead vocals and up front. My voice became recognisable all over the world. Just before my first Top of the Pops, my then-fiancé John Reid (The Nightcrawlers) introduced me to Ollie Smallman and Denis Inglesby from 1st Ave Management. Then came the solo deal with Mercury Records. They gave me Eddie Gordon as my A&R man. He got the best of the best to record and remix me, and once again my music and my voice were being heard in the best clubs, played by the best DJs all over the world. I’ll always be grateful and think myself very lucky.
Many people don’t know you toured with Donny Osmond and even performed on The Simpsons Yellow Album. How did those experiences shape you?
This was before TTF and Mercury. I was already a well-established session singer, so I went for the audition, if you like, down in Wales for a band called Waterfront. I got the job, and 4 days later I was travelling to the USA to support Donny Osmond on his American tour. The drummer in the band Waterfront was a guy called Greg Haver. He was the producer of a couple of tracks on the Yellow album for Bart Simpson. He got me and then my fiancé, John Reid (The Nightcrawlers/Push The Feeling On), down to do the vocals on The Ten Commandments of Bart (FYI, Greg then became the drummer for the Nightcrawlers tour). I was always around great, talented musicians. The scene was great then.
You’ve performed everywhere from Top of the Pops to Sydney Mardi Gras. What performance stands out the most?
THOSE TWO GIGS RIGHT THERE. I grew up watching TOTP on the telly every Thursday night. Always dreaming that one day I could get on it. I was on TOTP 5 times. The Sydney Mardi Gras will always be a very special place and time for me. Once again, I used to watch the acts on stage at the afterparty, wishing that one day I could be on that beautiful big stage…. I did it in 2006 for the 7am show. The stage was filled with 14 drag queens and choreography by Minnie Cooper. My best friends were all along the front of the stage with tears in their eyes.
You’re now based in Sydney and performing across dance, jazz, and cabaret. How has this broadened your artistry?
Well, the jazz and cabaret were always there as a way to find my voice and also make a living. I have played in many clubs and pubs to every kind of audience. I learned to read a crowd there.
What do you hope fans take away from Reimagined?
That maybe you should just stop and listen… remember the old days that would put a smile on your face. Doesn’t matter how old you are; you should still make time for a dance and enjoy the music.
Tickets £12 in Advance.
An Audience With Mary Kiani is on Saturday 5 September 2026 (doors open 3pm) at Royal Vauxhall Tavern, 372 Kennington Lane, London SE11 5HY, United Kingdom.
All images supplied.
