Dentist signs huge record deal

Updated 07.33 Thu Jul 03 2008

Keywords: snow patrol, dentist, abba, smiths, puccini, nhs, opera

An NHS dentist has vowed to keep fixing teeth for the next three months despite landing himself a £1 million record deal.

Andrew Bain, 35, has been signed by SonyBMG to record operatic versions of songs from Abba, The Smiths and Snow Patrol.

Andrew Bain, 35, has been signed by SonyBMG to record operatic versions of songs from Abba, The Smiths and Snow Patrol

The dentist spent months trying to convince record companies he was the next big thing but was turned down until now.

After making a demo of an operatic version of Prince's ballad Purple Rain, he finally landed a deal with a label whose signings have included Elvis Presley, Placido Domingo, Barbra Streisand and Jose Carreras.

In the last ten years he has performed in West End choruses and amateur opera in his spare time.

He is performing in a production of Puccini's La Fanciulla del West in Winchester, Hampshire, until Friday.

Bain said: "For the last ten years I've been singing and enjoying dentistry. I've always loved singing and it's hard to beat the thrill of a live stage.

"I'll miss my patients but glad I won't have to use the drill anymore. It's not the best part of dentistry for dentists or patients."

Music executive Richard Hinkley said: "Andrew Bain is a refreshingly different talent.

"He is performing opera with a uniquely contemporary touch.

"He has taken what is traditionally elitist and made it resonate with fans of popular music in a style familiar to millions."