Joe Brown
Joe Brown
It was over half a century ago in 1958, as Lonnie Donegan was ruling the charts with ‘Rock Island Line’, that Joe joined his first band, the Spacemen Skiffle Group, at the age of 17. Three years later he was the resident lead guitarist on producer Jack Good’s groundbreaking TV show Boy Meets Girls. He found himself backing visiting American stars like Gene Vincent, Eddie Cochran and Johnny Cash. (and that’s Joe’s rockabilly lead guitar you can hear all over Billy Fury’s classic 1960 album “The Sound Of Fury”….)
1960 was the year when the Spacemen became Joe Brown’s backing band The Bruvvers as the hits began to roll in, starting with ‘The Darktown Strutters Ball’ and reaching a crescendo in 1962/3 with ‘A Picture Of You’, ‘It Only Took A Minute’ and ‘That’s What Love Will Do’. During this time it was JOE who was headlining British tours that featured Del Shannon, Dion, the Crystals… and an up and coming band called the Beatles.
The Beatles of course changed the whole pop music landscape but Joe was already broadening his own horizons. He starred in the long running West End musical “Charlie Girl” in 1965 and has since appeared in “Sleuth” and “Pump Boys And Dinettes” which in 1985 he directed and took on tour. And there were films “What A Crazy World”, “Three Hats For Lisa”, “Spike Milligan Meets Joe Brown” and “Mona Lisa” with Bob Hoskins. Not to mention his regular TV appearances which included three series of “The Joe Brown Show” on ITV and his Radio 2 stints either side of the new millennium including presenting “The Rock Island Line”, “Good Rockin’ Tonight”, “Let It Rock” and “Joe Brown’s Sunday Roast” which was a regular programme on BBC Berkshire
Throughout these five decades Joe was touring regularly, playing up to 200 shows a year. In the early Seventies he formed Brown’s Home Brew which included his late wife Vicki and Joe Fagin they released two acclaimed albums and toured the UK twice. Joe has continued to headline his own tours as well co-headlining the hugely successful “Solid Gold” tours and with Marty Wilde in the nineties.
Since the new millennium Joe has been confounding people’s expectations of him on a regular basis. In 2002 he appeared at the Glastonbury Festival and endeared himself to the latest generation of rock fans. Later that year he won a brand new world-wide audience with his show-stopping appearance at “The Concert For George”, staged at London’s Royal Albert Hall in tribute to George Harrison with a stellar cast of musicians.
Joe was asked by Olivia Harrison & Eric Clapton to sing ‘Here Comes The Sun”, ‘That’s The Way It Goes’ and to close the show with ‘I’ll See You In My Dreams’, a favourite song of George’s. Joe describes the show as “the highlight of my career” and the DVD of the concert has now been certified many times Platinum in the USA whilst the film has also been shown around the world and continues to be repeated.
If Joe has any regrets, it’s that he hasn’t released enough records. Indeed between the mid Seventies and the early Nineties he scarcely released any. That changed when he took on new management and adopted a new approach in1990. He very soon had a new live album “Joe Brown Live “ released in 1990 and signed a publishing deal with Warner Chappell in Nashville in 1991 when he started going there to write songs for the country market.
That led to the release of the “Come On Joe” album in 1993, recorded at his own home studio, produced by his son Pete and featuring his touring band – guitarist Neil Gauntlett, bassist Rico Nilo and drummer Phil Capaldi. Come On Joe was followed closely by an ‘In Concert’ video and in 1997 “56 And Taller Than You Think”. His next studio album “On A Day Like This” was recorded in Nashville in 1998 and produced by Roger Cook with whom Joe would later write a musical about Skiffle which premiered in 2005. That same year Joe agreed a deal whereby his records would be released by Track Records, the first album released under this agreement being “Hittin’ The Hi Spots”. In recent years he has also released a live double album, an all instrumental album and a live performance DVD.
Next studio recording was “Down To Earth” and the next phase in Joe’s extraordinary career. As well as some strong cover recordings there were also a couple of his own that stand up tall against the illustrious covers. These also include Hoagy Carmichael’s ‘Lazybones’ that Joe learnt from George Harrison. “He loved Hoagy Carmichael. He used to play me his records all the time,” Joe says.
Meanwhile in the Autumn of 2005 Joe completed a 37 date British tour with special guest Sam Brown and a DVD of Down To Earth In The Studio was released in 2006. By Spring of 2007 Joe and the band had just finished a further 36 date solo tour with son Pete firmly in his band.
He completed a sold out 40 date tour in autumn 2007 and for those dates Joe was joined by another British icon….the one and only Dave Edmunds. The man who ‘knew the bride when she used to rock n, roll’, whose swagger and guitar genius saw him signed to Led Zeppelin’s Swansong label and whose hits lit up the charts world-wide. Dave kept the rock beacon burning brightly with songs such as ‘Girls Talk’, ‘Queen Of Hearts’ and ‘I Hear You Knocking’ and still found time to work with Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Jeff Lynne and the Everly Brothers and many others.
Joe Brown and Dave Edmunds was a remarkable combination, a brilliant pairing of singer / songwriter / guitar heroes and an evening that was compulsory for anyone who calls themselves a music lover.
2008 was to be a special year – his 50th as a professional musician. The story went on and gathered momentum in a big way when Joe’s 50th Anniversary album released in February confounded certain peoples expectations by going Gold, selling over 125,000 copies in the UK and staying weeks on the chart with several weeks in the UK Top 20 and Joe was the undoubted star at the Mayor Of London’s St Patrick’s Day Concert in Trafalgar Square where with his band and three additional traditional Irish musicians he delighted an Irish crowd of several thousand braving the worst weather of the year.
In June Joe took his band and Special guest Sam Brown to Germany to perform three special concerts for several major Radio & TV stations as a result of the media interest in the Down To Earth release there, it marked his first official album release in over 40 years there. A new album Live In Germany containing performances form the radio tour was the result of that trip and was soon released. Later in 2008 his last studio album More Of The Truth was released and gathered more critical acclaim for the man from the 50’s who in 2008 was as contemporary as you could get and his 50th Anniversary Concert at The Royal Albert Hall in September 2008 was a complete sell out and featured guests such as Mark Knopfler, Jools Holland, Dennis Locorriere, Dave Edmunds, Chas ‘N’ Dave, his daughter Sam Brown and Sha Na Na founder Henry Gross whist his 50th Anniversary Autumn tour sold out tall he major theatre venues it visited here too.
This momentum on the live front continued In 2009 and in June Joe was awarded the coveted Outstanding Contribution to Music Award by MOJO Magazine which was presented to him by Mark Knopfler and two days later it was announced that he was to be awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
On top of the two earlier honours the USA instrument manufacturer KALA, in conjunction with Joe developed a special Joe Brown Signature Series Ukulele which is now available in stores or directly from Joe Brown Productions. They are beautiful instruments and come in various models, a very special higher end of the range series made from Koa & Spruce and a more accessibly priced Mahogany model. All models carry Joe’s signature.
Kala said when first approaching him that they could not think of a better ambassador for the Ukulele worldwide to represent their instrument and were delighted when Joe accepted and started to work with them on its development.
Latterly Joe has continued to break box office records and gain new supporters throughout 2009 and 2010 when having cropped up as a special guest on Bob Harris’ own 40th Anniversary programme for BBC Radio 2 Joe then completed his own UK tour and rounded off the year by joining fellow British institutions Status Quo in December for the arena section of their Quid Pro Quo tour. The response was terrific both at shows and on the Quo website where positive comments from their fan base ran into pages and pages for the 9 shows which Joe and the band performed with them.
Throughout 2011 Joe continued to show the way and his touring even as he moved into his 70’s would still put many a young band to shame . A show was filmed and recorded in Liverpool and the result was a DVD with bonus 2CD box set issued late last year called Live In Liverpool.
Towards Christmas 2011 Joe and the band were to be found recording a very special Ukulele based CD at British Grove, Mark Knopfler’s recording studio and then over Christmas and into January work has carried on at Joe’s own studio and this very special CD will be released in the UK in late Spring this year, 2012 will be another memorable year for Joe.
If Jools Holland’s Later and Hootenanny shows together with Glastonbury, Cropredy and Trowbridge Music Festivals all played their part in Joe’s rise and rise and a new international audience also found him via his stellar performance closing the Concert For George tribute with ‘I’ll See You In My Dreams’ then now this has gone one step further as Joe’s own original album version of I’ll See You In My Dreams recently featured worldwide in one of the hit TV CSI programmes.
Joe is, without doubt, a one off, a compelling and unique performer with a rare and singular track record, an extraordinary talent and a truly enduring Rock Legend – catch him while you can.
Webpage – http://www.joebrown.co.uk
Dr. Brian May
Dr. Brian May
Queen’s accolades accrued over 5 decades include a staggering list of sales with a catalogue that consistently tops popularity polls, along with a deserved list of awards and honours. Brian has penned 22 Queen top 20 hits, among them the powerful ballads ‘Who Wants to Live Forever’, ‘No-One But You’ and ‘Save Me’, along with anthems ‘The Show Must Go On’, ‘I Want It All’, and ‘We Will Rock You’, namesake to the Queen/Ben Elton hit musical which enjoyed an unprecedented 12 year run at London’s Dominion Theatre alongside numerous worldwide productions. Iconic sports anthem, ‘We Will Rock You’ was performed live by Brian and Roger during the London 2012 Olympics closing ceremony, viewed by an estimated one billion TV audience. Other memorable global live appearances include the band’s 1985 Live Aid show stealing set and during the 2002 Golden Jubilee celebrations, Brian playing his own arrangement of ‘God Save the Queen’ from the roof top of Buckingham Palace.
Queen became the first rock group to score a major film, Flash Gordon, followed by definitive music for Highlander. Brian’s personal credits include further film, TV and theatre collaborations and 2 successful solo albums earning him 2 Ivor Novello awards. He continues to inspire a diverse genre of international artists and has a wealth of guest artist appearances featuring his distinctive guitar style, produced from his revered homemade ‘Red Special’ guitar using a sixpence as a plectrum.
A Queen and Paul Rodgers joint performance at the 2004 induction into the UK Music Hall of Fame led to a return to touring after a 20 year break, featuring the former Free/Bad Company singer as guest vocalist. 2012 saw a return of Queen onstage, this time with current guest vocalist Adam Lambert, to award winning universal critical acclaim. Over 70 worldwide sold out concerts have been played, including a spectacular New Years Eve concert heralding 2015, broadcast live by the BBC.
Most recently Brian has enjoyed writing, producing, recording and touring with Kerry Ellis. Brian and Kerry are currently working on their third album and have a series of European concert dates confirmed for early 2016 after which he returns to tour with Queen + Adam Lambert headlining the Isle of Wight Festival along with a dozen further European festival appearances.
Brian retains his keen passion for Astronomy and after a 30 year break returned to Astrophysics to update his doctoral thesis on the Motions of Interplanetary Dust and achieved his full PhD degree from Imperial College, London, in 2007. He continues his work in Astronomy and in July 2015 Brian spent time with fellow Astrophysicists at NASA Headquarters interpreting new data as it was transmitted from the Pluto New Horizons probe whilst compiling the first high-quality stereo image of Pluto.
Brian has co-authored numerous publications, including two in the Astronomy field with the late Sir Patrick Moore. He now heads his own publishing house, The London Stereoscopic Company which specializes in Victorian 3-D Photography. All books come complete with Brian’s own design OWL stereoscopic viewer. More information on the upcoming published work Crinolene: Fashion’s Most Magnificent Disaster (Spring 2106) and the celebrated short animated film ‘One Night in Hell’ along with all matters stereoscopic are available at Brian’s dedicated website, www.londonstereo.com.
Brian is proud to be an ambassador for the Mercury Phoenix Trust, set up in memory of Freddie Mercury to support AIDS projects. Over 700 projects and millions of people have benefitted from the Trust as the global battle against HIV/AIDS continues.
A lifelong advocate of animal welfare, Brian is a leading inspiration in the fight against fox hunting, trophy hunting and badger culling. He campaigns tirelessly from grass roots through to parliamentary level with his Save Me Trust campaign, established in 2009 to champion British wildlife, working alongside Harper Asprey wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre. Projects include rejuvenation of ancient woodlands to create protected wildlife habitats and as a key player working alongside the major conservation and wildlife NGOs, the Save Me Trust created Team Fox and Team Badger – the largest ever wildlife coalition. Further details can be found at www.savemetrust.org. The Save Me trust is currently fronting a petition calling for the introduction of Cecil’s Law inspired by the death of Cecil, South Africa’s most famous lion, and to end the senseless slaughter of our magnificent wildlife creatures.
Brian was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2005 for ‘services to the Music Industry and for his charity work’ and is patron to a number of charities, also a vice-president of the RSPCA. Brian enjoys interacting with his fans, who can enjoy updates on his work and thoughts on twitter at @DrBrianMay and via his website at www.brianmay.com.
Peter Egan
Dr. Brian May
Peter was born in London, England, the son of Doris and Michael Thomas Egan. He attended St. George’s Secondary school in Maida Vale. His first television role was as the sex-and-cinema-obsessed Seth Starkadder in the BBC serialisation of Cold Comfort Farm in 1968. In 1969 he played the acid-throwing gangster Hogarth in the controversial Granada TV series Big Breadwinner Hog. This was followed by starring roles as Oscar Wilde in the 1978 series Lillie, starring Francesca Annis as Lillie Langtry, in the John le Carré dramatisation A Perfect Spy and the BBC sitcom Joint Account. He also starred in four series of the BBC series Ever Decreasing Circles, with Richard Briers and Penelope Wilton.
He played the title-role as the future King George IV in the 1979 BBC series Prince Regent, and was a sinister immortal Knight Templar in Michael J. Bird’s BBC series The Dark Side of the Sun (1983).
Other roles include Michael Cochrane in the 1998 programme The Ambassador, and on film as the suave secret agent Toby Meres in the film version of TV’s Callan (1974), and the Duke of Sutherland in Chariots of Fire (1981), Academy Award Best Picture winner. Other film roles have included The Hireling, Bean, The I Inside, The Wedding Date and Man to Man. He has also received a BATFA award.
His extensive stage roles have included Trevor Nunn’s production of Hamlet, Journey’s End at London’s Cambridge Theatre (for which he received the Best Actor accolade at the London Theatre Critics’ Award), Arms and the Man, You Never Can Tell, which received a Royal Gala Opening at the Lyric Hammersmith, M Butterfly at the Shaftesbury Theatre, John Osborne’s last play, Déjà Vu, at the Comedy Theatre, Art at the Wyndham’s, Noises Off and The Secret Rapture. As a theatre director, his work includes Uncle Vanya for the Renaissance Theatre Company, A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Mills College, San Francisco, as well as productions at the Lyric Hammersmith and London’s Savoy Theatre.
He is married to Myra Frances and lives in London.
For more information go to – www.peter-egan.co.uk
Darren Day
Darren Day
ENGLISH ACTOR, SINGER AND TELEVISION PRESENTER AND EXTREMELY WELL KNOWN FOR HIS WEST END THEATRE STARRING ROLES.
Day auditioned for BBC’s talent show Opportunity Knocks in 1987 and appeared on the show in 1988, introduced by host Bob Monkhouse. He won several heats and came fourth in the final.
After five years with a career that spanned being a Butlins redcoat, doing stand-up comedy, and singing with bands, Day made his breakthrough as a singer in London’s West End theatre, starring in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, replacing the departing Phillip Schofield.[1] He then starred in many West end shows, such asGrease’, Summer Holiday’ and Godspell’ and went on to develop a career as a television presenter, presenting programmes such as You Bet!, and Don’t Try This at Home!. He appeared in the first series of the reality television show I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!.
In 1991, Day presented the Classic Nursery Rhymes video.
Day has appeared in many touring stage musicals, including Summer Holiday, Grease, The Rocky Horror Show and Great Expectations. In the pantomime season of 2005–06, Day appeared in the Derby Assembly Rooms production of Cinderella, where he played the part of Buttons. This is also where he first met his wife Stephanie, as she was appearing in the production.
Day worked in November 2006 on the Celebrity Scissorhands project for the BBC in aid of Children in Need. From there, he returned to pantomime for the 2006–07 season as ‘Jack’ in Jack and the Beanstalk at Billingham’s Forum Theatre.
In 2007, Day toured the UK with a new theatre show The Music of Manilow and More, and made a guest appearance in July on ITV’s police drama The Bill, playing a photographer who is the prime suspect in the death of a supermodel.
Autumn 2007 saw him take over from Mark Little in the UK tour of Defending the Caveman before returning to pantomime at the Lowry, Salford as King Rat in Dick Whittington co starring his wife and actress Stephanie Dooley, and Chesney Hawkes.[3]In 2009 he changed management [1] and was cast in the musical, We Will Rock You, alongside Kevin Kennedy which toured the UK.[4] In March 2010, Day took part in Celebrity Come Dine with Me on Channel 4, alongside Claire Sweeney, Kim Woodburn and Tom O’Connor. This episode was repeated in December 2010. From October 2010 to Jan 2011 Day played soap villain Danny Houston in the popular series Hollyoaks.
From April 2011 to July 2011, Day starred in the UK in the musical Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show, alongside co-star Brian Conley. In December 2011 Day starred as Captain Hook in the pantomime Peter Pan at Worthing Pavilion Theatre, breaking the theatre’s 2003 box-office record to become the best selling pantomime the theatre has ever had. Whilst working in Worthing, he became acquainted with the work of the Stone Pillow, a charity working with the homeless, and after making a personal appearance in support of charity, he agreed to become a patron in 2012. Day reprised the role of Captain Hook in December 2012 at the Lighthouse Theatre, Kettering, in their pantomime Peter Pan.
In early 2012, Day took on the role of American author Paul Sheldon in a production of Misery in Dubai. The production was nominated locally for a Time Out Theatre Award. In autumn 2012, Darren Day played HIV-positive gospel singer Gideon in the European premiere of the award-winning USA musical “The Last Session”, for which he was nominated for Best Actor in the Off West End Awards (“The Offies”). In spring 2013, he was cast in a lead role in the British feature film Rudy playing a bereaved father of a teenage daughter, directed by Shona Auerbach. In June 2013 he began work on a new musical, The Golden Voice, which was due to premiere at the Arts Theatre in the West End in July 2013 and will run till September 2013 http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/production/2013/04/darren-day-to-star-in-new-musical-the-golden-voice/ In September was due to star in the new musical comedy “Stand Up” with Lionel Blair and Billy Pearce. In October he was due to star in “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’, a Tony award-winning show in its first UK tour.
Darren Day
Darren Day
Darren Day
Darren Day
David Shepherd
David Shepherd
David Shepherd, CBE, FRSA (Born 1931)
David studied art under professional artist, Robin Goodwin, with early commissions for the RAF taking him to Aden in 1960, and on to Kenya. This trip changed his life. He was asked to paint his first wildlife subject and at the same time he became a conservationist overnight when he witnessed 255 zebra dead around a waterhole poisoned by poachers.
Since then, David has enjoyed successful one-man shows around the world and has won many awards. He has been the subject of several TV programmes and published five books and over 200 limited edition prints. Recently celebrating his 81st birthday, David still lives at a frenetic pace, continuing to donate paintings to wildlife through his foundation, to pay back “my enormous debt of gratitude to the animals I paint”.
As a small boy, David had only one ambition, to be a game warden. So after leaving school in 1949, he went to Kenya to follow his dream, only to be politely told that he was not wanted! Returning home with his dream in tatters, he faced two choices: ‘to drive buses or starve as an artist’.
Rejected by the Slade School of Fine Art as having ‘no talent whatsoever’, it was by good fortune that he met Robin Goodwin, a professional artist, who took him under his wing, teaching him for three years, and to whom he owes his success.
David started his career as an aviation artist and owes a great deal to the Services who commissioned paintings that took him all over the world. The RAF flew him from Mukulla in Aden to Kenya in 1960, which proved a turning point in his career when they commissioned his very first wildlife painting – he never looked back.
It was at this time that he became a conservationist overnight when he found 255 dead zebra at a poisoned waterhole in Tanzania. Throughout his career he has therefore tried to do all he can to repay the enormous debt he feels he owes to the elephants, tigers and other animals that have given him so much success. ‘Tiger Fire’ was one of his first major fund-raising successes, raising £127,000 for Operation Tiger in 1973.
In 1984 he established the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) to channel his own conservation efforts to fund vital enforcement and community projects that continue to make a real difference to wildlife survival in their natural habitat. To date, through his tireless and passionate efforts and, thanks to the generosity of the Foundation’s dedicated supporters, including artists from around the world who support DSWF’s ‘Art for Survival’ programme, over £5 million has been given away directly in grants to keep key projects in Africa and Asia alive and operational.
In 2011, during his 80th birthday year, David launched a new campaign to save the tiger in the wild. TigerTime has attracted celebrity support from Sir Paul McCartney, Ricky Gervais, Stephen Fry and Joanna Lumley, among many, and is campaigning to bring an end to the tiger trade and tiger farms in China.
As well as his wildlife and landscape paintings, David is perhaps lesser known for his portraits, which include Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, HE Sheikh Zayed of Abu Dhabi and perhaps the most significant, his vast portrayal of ‘Christ on the Battlefield’ which hangs behind the alter in a military garrison church.
David is also passionate about steam locomotives, in the past owning two 120-ton main line steam giants and establishing a registered steam railway charity. His beloved Black Prince is now leased to the Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Railway.
His life as an artist and conservationist have featured in several TV programmes including the BBC’s ‘Man Who Loves Giants’ (1972) and ‘Last Train to Mulobezi’ (1974), Harleck’s ‘Elephants and Engines’ (1974), ‘In Search of Wildlife’ series for Thames (1988), ‘Naturewatch’ for Central TV (1990), and ‘This is Your Life’ (1990). His books include ‘An Artist in Africa’ (1967), ‘The Man Who Loves Giants’ (1975), ‘A Brush with Steam’ (1983), ‘David Shepherd, The Man and His Paintings’ (1985), ‘David Shepherd, An Artist in Conservation’ (1992), ‘David Shepherd, My Painting Life’ and ‘Only One World’ (1995) and ‘Painting with David Shepherd’ (2004). His awards include an Honorary Degree on Fine Arts by the Pratt Institute in New York (1971), the Order of the Golden Ark by HRH The Prince of The Netherlands (1973), Member of Honour of WWF and OBE (1979), FRSA (1986), Order of Distinguished Service, Zambia (1988), and June 2008 the CBE for services to conservation.
David celebrated his 80th birthday in 2011 with a party at the Natural History Museum which raised over £120,000 for wildlife. He now lives with his adored wife, Avril in West Sussex and has four daughters and nine grandchildren who share his passion for wildlife conservation and art.
In 2012 David started the year with a retrospective of his work at the Royal Academy West of England in Bristol and will be exhibiting his work alongside international wildlife artists at the Mall Galleries from May 21-26 as part of the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation’s week of wildlife art. Now 81, David is still accepting commissions and paints every day. On April 23rd he was the first artist to be presented with the ‘True Englishman’ award by the St George’s day club.
For more on the work of his Foundation and TigerTime see: www.davidshepherd.org and www.tigertime.info
Hawkwind
Hawkwind
30.01.14 – Space Ritual rehearsal tickets, Hawkeaster and Shepherds Bush news, it’s all here
Hello Folks!
We are happy to let you know that “Space Ritual Preview Day” is going ahead as planned at The Gateway in Seaton, Devon. (Same venue as HawkEaster ), on Fri 21st Feb 2014
Doors will open at 2pm for sound check, production rehearsals and run throughs of various parts of the set with lightshow and dancers.
We plan to have a complete dress rehearsal early evening (approx 6pm – 8pm or 7pm – 9pm depending on how the day has worked out).
As this is a rehearsal day and the unexpected can happen, all times are approximate and the programme is liable to change without notice.
There will be a full bar and food available throughout the day.
Filming is expected to take place throughout the afternoon and evening. Your attendance at the event will be taken and accepted as your consent and agreement for your image to be used in any media produced from the event.
In order to help cover the costs of the day, we need a donation of £10 per person (including credit/debit card charges etc), payable in advance through the HawkEaster shop page. Click here and just make sure you select “Space Ritual Day”
When you have paid you will receive a unique receipt, please print this and bring it with you to ensure entry on the day. Please note, if you book together, you will need to arrive together (except by prior arrangement).
Things are shaping up nicely for HawkEaster, click here for the all new 2014 information page which features this years artwork, whilst currently under construction more details will be added over the coming weeks. With Easter weekend falling almost a month later than last year, (19/20th April), we are hoping the weather will be a lot warmer…..We have again booked the private camping field at Manor Farm and Eves Tipis are also taking orders.
The same as last year, there will be a bus running between the campsite and the venue after the show.
The tourist attractions, shops, pubs and cafes of Seaton are again giving us a warm welcome and will be offering discounts to everyone attending the weekend.
We will be opening the doors on the evening of Friday 18th April for registration, wristbands and a social get together with music and DVDs on the big screen and a full bar…..This worked very well last year and it was a great evening…
We will again open the venue on Easter Monday morning/lunchtime to meet for a goodbye picnic lunch.
For everyone attending the Rock4Rescue charity event at Shepherd’s Bush Empire on Sat 22nd February, please remember the doors open at 6.30pm and things will start to happen around 7.00pm. The evening will not be scheduled in a regular concert format, so if you don’t want to miss anything, try to get there early. Hawkwind will be on stage at around 8.00pm, but there will be lots going on before……
There are still a few tickets available for the evening, click here for more details and to purchase.
We wish you all a belated Happy New Year and hope to see you at a Hawkwind happening soon!
The Hawkwind Events Team
19.01.14 – Space Ritual rehearsal update
Just to say we haven’t forgotten about the Space Ritual rehearsal day which will take place in Seaton, Devon on Friday 21st February, (the day before the Rock4Rescue charity show at Shepherds Bush Empire on Sat 22nd Feb)
This is going ahead as planned. Everyone who has emailed us about this at SpaceRitualDay@hawkwind.com will soon receive an email with details about the day….
Tickets for the Shepherds Bush show can be purchased by clicking here
There’s also a facebook page dedicated to the event, to visit that, click here
Onward!
Oh and one other quick note, if your going to the Giants Of Rock bash at Minehead please be aware that Hawkwind will be playing on the Saturday evening, the 8th Feb
08.01.14 – Happy new year – anyone interested in coming to Devon to se some rehearsals?
Hello Folks,
We are thinking about doing a full day dress/production rehearsal for our Space Ritual show, which takes place at the Rock 4 Rescue event at The Shepherds Bush Empire on Feb 22nd… It would be on Friday February 21st in Seaton in Devon…We would be trying things out all day with a full run through of the show in the evening…If you are interested in attendin g, please email SpaceRitualDay@Hawkwind.com
12.12.13 – Hawkwind return to Norway in 2014
Bit short notice this one, but we can now confirm that Hawkwind will be appearing at the Union Scene venue in Drammen Norway on Saturday 11th January, more details including a link to tickets (In Norwegian) can be found on the tour dates page.
01.12.13 – Hawkeaster tickets onsale and a couple of new dates for 2014
Hello folks, seeing as last years event was such a success we thought we’d do it all again!
Tickets for Hawkeaster are now onsale from our online booking facility which an be reached by clicking here, numbers are limited so make sure you get in quick to secure yours 🙂
In addition to this we can also confirm a couple of new dates for next September, they are Exeter Corn Exchange on the 26th and St Ives Guildhall on the 27th. As with all Hawkwind dates, full details, including relevant links to ticket outlets and the venues can be found on the Tour Dates page
18.11.13 – Hawkwind to play the Space Ritual (yes you read that correctly)
Please note – tickets go on sale Friday 22nd November@ 9am
Rock for Rescue and Hawkwind present a special evening of entertainment, in suport of worldwide animal charities, raising awareness for the work done by
Wet Nose Animal Aid
Animals Asia
Team Badger
Doris Banham Dog Rescue
Compered by TV presenter Matthew Wright, culminating with a unique recital of the Space Ritual by Hawkwind.
All proceeds of this event will go to the above charities and organisations.
29.10.13 – Please read regarding updates over the next couple of weeks
Hello all – Any news items that we need to publish over the next couple of weeks will appear on our official Facebook page rather than here. Thid can be accessed by clicking here and is available for all to read regardless of whether you are a member or not so no one should miss anything.
Thanks for reading
21.10.13 – Southampton show added
As a warm up to the Planetrockstock the following night we can now confirm an appearance at Southampton’s Brook on the 6th December. Venue details and ticketing links can be found on the tour dates page.
24.09.13 – Some actual Hawkwind news 🙂
Sure we don’t need to explain there’s been a lot going on over the last week or so, but we’ve actually got something positive to announce.
For our first confirmed date of 2014 we can now announce that after the triumphant appearance at last years Rock and Blues event, Hawkwind once more return to Butlins, this time at their Minehead resort for an event entitled “Giants Of Rock” click on the link to be taken to the booking page.
As ever, for more details on this and all other confirmed Hawkwind dates please visit the Tour Dates page.
7.09.13 – Please take time to visit this link – thank you
Don’t want to get bogged down with this here so just click here
13.09.13 – New release coming in October
To co-incide with our 2013 tour of North America, we are pleased to announce the release of “SPACEHAWKS”. This will be released for the US market early October, becoming available in UK at the end of the month. Tracklisting as follows –
01. Seasons – (remix from Onward)
02. Assault & Battery- New studio recording ( Original from Warrior On The Edge Of Time)
03. Golden Void – New studio recording (from Warrior On The Edge Of Time)
04. Where Are They Now
05. Sonic Attack – New Studio Recording
06. Demented Man – New studio recording (from WarriorOn The Edge Of Time )
07. We two are one – New Track
08. We Took the Wrong Step – (From Dave Brock solo album Looking for Love in the lost land of dreams)
09. Masters of the Universe – New studio recording with Huw.
10. Sacrosanct – New
11. Sentinel – (remix from Blood Of The Earth)
12. Its all Lies – (from Stellar Variations – Hawkwind Light Orchestra)
13. Touch – New Studio Recording
14. The Chumps are Jumping – New Studio Recording
15. Lonely Moon – New Studio Recording
16. Sunship – BOTE (remix from Blood Of The Earth)
The album will come in 3 versions as listed below –
Standard format: Click Here
Deluxe package: Click Here
Double vinyl: Click Here
07.09.13 – Special guests for North American tour announced
Hawkwind are pleased to announce, that special guests on all North American tour dates, will be the Liverpool based FAMILIAR LOOKING STRANGERS.
FLS are part of the Hawkwind Family, being regulars at Hawkfest and Hawkwind UK shows.
We are really looking forward to our October North American adventures together…Its going to be a Hawkwind – FLS 2013 Party!!
04.09.13 – Dave Brock honoured at last nights Classic Rock Prog awards
Pretty self explanatory really but in case you don’t know by now Dave picked up the lifetime achievement award at last nights Progressive Music Awards held at Kew Gardens in London.
To check out posts of the evening activities then have a look at our Facebook and Twitter pages where all the excitement of the evening unfold via the magic of social media!
And finally for now here’s a picture of Dave picking up his award, which incidentally was presented by long time fan and friend of the band Matthew Wright, via the Team Rock Radio site.
Webpage – http://www.hawkwind.com
http://www.plastichead.com/catalogue.asp?ex=fitem&verb=F&target=EW0139CD
The Rock Choir
The Rock Choir
What is Rock Choir?
Rock Choir is much more than a choir – it’s a multi layered singing experience. The power of music, meeting new friends and performing at life changing events, together contribute to an emotional and powerful journey for our members. We have been perfecting Rock Choir for 10 years now and have achieved an award-winning standard of excellence in both the educational and emotional aspects of what we try to do. I personally choose and train our brilliant team of musicians, teachers and performers who lead their choir in each community through the most uplifting and feel good songs ever written.Rock Choir is the pioneering contemporary choir of the UK and remains unique with over 20,000, members enjoying it across the UK. Each member is welcomed into the Rock Choir family and their journey with us allows music, friendship and a new found confidence to impact their everyday lives. Together we have created a safe, up-lifting and exciting experience just for you.As a new member, you may choose to simply rehearse with your friends or take to the stage and join them at a variety of Rock Choir events and shows – it’s up to you. You can take as much or as little from the experiences on offer. You’ll never have to sing on your own or be under any pressure. http://www.rockchoir.com
YEM Theatre School
YEM Theatre School
The Young Entertainers Musical Theatre School was established in 1987 by it’s founders Tricia and Colin Hawcroft.
The Hampshire based school offers a wide range of classes in Dance, Drama and Music.
Our subjects include Musical Theatre, Drama, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Street Jazz, Keyboard, Singing and Rock Choir. We are a performing arts group for young people aged 2-18+, based in Fleet and Farnborough in Hampshire.
Our experienced team of tutors aim to create classes that build upon performance, technique, confidence, imagination and motivation. We strive to train students to work hard but also have fun and enjoy the classes. All staff are qualified and are CRB checked.
We offer examinations for beginners up to diploma levels in all subjects. However, many of our members just come along for fun and enjoyment.
Elvis Shmelvis
Elvis Shmelvis
Elvis Shmelvis is probably THE most recognised Elvis Impersonator in the UK today. When ever you see an Elvis Impersonator on TV, it is usually Shmelvis as he is a favourite of many TV channels, and not for no good reason! Check out our gallery of snaps to see just how popular he is. Shmelvis has played the part of Elvis in Holby City several times, has been featured on ‘Come Dine With Me’ and is a regular on ‘The ONE Show’Shmelvis has also featured on ‘Blue Peter’, ‘Weakest Link’…The list is endless!! As an Outstanding Elvis Impersonator, you would be hard pressed to find an act more qualified or professional than Shmelvis, as a Multi Award Winning Tribute Act appearing at venues such as Trafalgar Square, Milton Keynes Bowl and at exclusive venues all over London and the South East. Elvis Shmelvis is not only THE best choice for you, he is the ONLY choice if you are looking for an outstanding act that encompasses actual entertainment and real music, Shmelvis plays guitars that are exact replicas of the ones played by the Big Man Himself… From his base in St.Albans, he travels extensively around the UK gathering fans and tributes everywhere he goes. If you are in any doubt, don’t just take our word for it-take a look at our testimonial page for the best possible feedback that you can get-feedback from our much loved fans that have seen, followed and reviewed Shmelvis – ’THE ONE AND ONLY ELVIS IMPERSONATOR’ !With authentic costumes made by the same people that made The Kings, the best equipment and a Singing Voice that has been mistaken for miming (seriously!!) This is not just an Elvis impersonator – this is an EXPERIENCE that you will Never Forget – Don’t Hesitate to contact us for your ‘Individually Tailored Show’ For THE One and Only Elvis impersonator and the Best in the Business, get in touch today !
Also, if you are looking for an ‘Elvis Impersonator in London’ – look no further than Elvis Shmelvis!
Elvis Shmelvis: British Elvis impersonator Martyn Dias brings his Jewishness to the job. A British man is in huge demand as the UK’s only professional Jewish Elvis impersonator. Marketing himself as ‘Elvis Shmelvis’, Martyn Dias has spent much of his adult life paying tribute to ‘the King’. JN1’s Edward Baran went to meet him.
Nicholas Ball
Nicholas Ball
Nicholas Ball (born 11 April 1946) is an English actor. He is best known for playing the title role of James Hazell in the television series Hazell.
He portrayed the violent gangster Terry Bates in EastEnders between 2007 and 2009. He played Garry Ryan in series five of Footballers’ Wives and both series of its spin-off programme Footballers’ Wives: Extra Time. The voice of Nicholas Ball can be heard as well on various audio books offered via the internet; he has narrated books from such authors as Christopher Hitchens and James Maybrick. He can currently be seen in an advert for Premier Inn, playing the part of Lenny Henry‘s manager.
- Holby City (TV Series) Barry Copeland (2015)
- Hustle (TV series) Frank Rice (2009)
- Sisterhood (2008)
- EastEnders (2007, 2008, 2009)
- Footballers’ Wives Series 5 (2006)
- Footballers’ Wives: Extra Time Series 1–2 (2005–06)
- Jonathan Creek Series 3; Episode 5 (1999) as Vince Rees
- Croupier (1998)
- “Justice” (1991) Red Dwarf, Series 4″ as the Simulant
- “Heartbeat (UK TV series) Series 7; Episode 7 (1997) : as Charlie Fenton
- Colin’s Sandwich Series 2 (1989)
- Lifeforce (1985)
- Alas Smith and Jones, at least one appearance. Episode 1 (January 1984)
- Bergerac (TV series) Two appearances: Series 2; Episode 7 (1983); Christmas Special (1988)
- The Young Ones (TV series) Series 1; Episode: Interesting (1982)
- The House that Bled to Death (1980) (TV) in the Hammer House of Horror series
- Hazell (1978–79)
- Who Is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe? (1978)
- Rogue Male (1976)
- The Crezz (1976)
- Overlord (1975)
Kitty Brucknell
Kitty Brucknell
Mention “Kitty” to anyone, and they will instantly know you are talking about. Kitty Brucknell became a household name in a few short months rising to fame in 2011 when she became a finalist on the eighth season of ‘The X Factor’ in the UK. Kitty captivated audiences with her outstanding theatrical performances, setting a new standard in scale and quality of production, and setting a precedent for all others to follow.
Kitty has always enjoyed singing and performing from an early age, studying the violin and piano and touring internationally since she was 16. She has built up a devoted and strong fan-
Since being on the show, she has been utilising her time in between live gigs to write enough material “for two albums at least!” and she has gained huge public and celebrity support, including Lady Gaga, Brian May, Kylie Minogue and many more, going from strength to strength, selling out shows across the country. Her style can be described as Britney Spears meets Muse meets “every dance record you’ve ever listened to”, and has a strong and loyal fan-
Kitty has been performing throughout the UK, Europe and even as far as China, giving all fans a chance to see her perform live, and increasing her online fan-
In January 2013 she took her Glamour and Damage Tour to Asia, gaining international credibility and support, following this up with a headlining national Pride tour. She then released a club track in Germany entitled “No Tomorrow”, with a stunning video that showcases her unique style.
Following up with some fantastic sessions in the studio – she released a brand new track online called Chains which garnered a lot of interest from major online blogs, even with a mention from Brian May of Queen. Digital Spy and Maximum Pop called the track “striking”.
2014 is gearing to be a big year for KITTY. With another international tour already under her belt in Egypt, and a new single coming in October –
@kittybrucknell
Buy my album http://pledgekitty.co.uk
To book me contact bookings@kittybrucknell.com
Phill Ram
Phill Ram
British Rock with a prog punk twist
Band Members –
Phil Ram, Guitar & vocals
Adam Bickerton, Bass & vocals
Michael Giri, Drums & vocals
Home Town – London
Short description
The Phil Ram Band page links all the musical activities of Phil Ram, who records and performs as a band with Adam and Michael and as solo artist.
New Quay Times
New Quay Times
Low-slung Americana……….with an edge. Described as: “raw edged Pretenders cum Blondie cum Lone Justice rock chick fronted loose limbed indie rock’n’roll. She flits between deep rocking croon and fiery falsetto, the band play Americana hinged low slung rock’n’roll”. Hailing from Wootton Basset NEWQUAY TIMES are a four piece band and we are proud to have them play at The Royal Oak this Sunday. As well as playing original and cover songs their influences range from Tom Petty, Throwing Muses to The Cranberries and the Noisettes. Headed up by rock goddess Sarah Ryan on vocals who’s voice finds a path between a sonorous rocking croon and a fiery falsetto the band play Americana-tinged low slung rock n roll. Think raw edged Pretenders cum Blondie cum Lone Justice.
Katrina (& the Waves)
katrina leskanich
Katrina Leskanich – former lead singer from Katrina and The Waves – Katrina now has a career both as a solo artist and with her new band.
Born in 1960 in Kansas, U.S., Katrina Leskanich moved to England in 1976. Growing up with the West Coast sound (Fleetwood Mac, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, Heart) she, together with fellow American and future Wave, Vince de la Cruz, formed the band Mama’s Cookin’.
As a singer, Katrina was inspired by Motown, Dusty Springfield and girl groups such as The Shangri-Las and The Shirelles. In 1983 Katrina and Vince joined The Waves (a Cambridge based band with ex Soft Boy, Kimberley Rew) and she picked up on some of their musical influences such as Etta James, Velvet Underground and the Stones.
The band became Katrina and the Waves, and in 1983 they recorded an album of original material, at their own expense, which was shopped around various labels and sold at gigs. They were signed by an independent Canadian label – Attic Records and their first album ‘Walking on Sunshine’ was released just in Canada. Katrina and The Waves toured Canada in 1984 and released a follow up album ‘Katrina & The Waves 2′. Katrina and The Waves had their first big break in 1984 when The Bangles covered their song ‘Going Down To Liverpool’. This drew attention to the group and lead to an international deal with Capitol Records.
The band’s first album was re-recorded and remixed. Scott Litt who went on to produce REM and Nirvana, produced ‘Walking on Sunshine’ – it was his idea to add the drum intro which made it irresistible to radio DJs. The first Capitol album, ‘Katrina & The Waves’ released in 1985, was a substantial critical and commercial success and ‘Walking on Sunshine was a worldwide hit earning top ten spots around the globe. (No. 8 UK, No.9 US, No.3 Canada, No.4 Australia). Since then, the song has been broadcasted over 2,000,000 times in the U.S. and was the highest played track on radio in the summer of 2008 – 23 years after its release!
‘Walking on Sunshine’ has been featured in many films, including being danced to on-screen by John Travolta (Look Who’s Talking, 1989), Michael J. Fox (Secret of My Success, 1987), and Jack Black (High Fidelity, 2000). Dolly Parton covered it in her Treasures album and during the last year it was featured in the hit TV show, Glee, as well as on American Idol. “I have performed ‘Walking on Sunshine’ for so many years in so many different countries that it’s become the one constant in my life and the one thing I can count on to bring happiness to myself and others,” says Katrina.
Katrina & The Waves were nominated for a Grammy for “Best New Artist” and were constantly touring the US, Canada, Europe, Australia and Japan. Their follow up single, ‘Do You Want Crying’ was a top 40 hit in the US and ‘Sun Street’ was a UK Top 30 hit in 1986. In 1989 Katrina & The Waves recorded a more rock-orientated album for Capitol subsidiary SBK Records – ‘Break of Hearts’ which included ‘That’s the Way’ which reached No. 16 in the US charts.
The band toured worldwide with artists such as Wham, The Beach Boys, Don Henley, Pointer Sisters, Chaka Khan, The Kinks, Fleetwood Mac, Coolio and Run DMC. ‘Walking on Sunshine’ was followed by more chart hits – ‘Do You Want Crying’ and ‘Que Te Quiero’ in 1985, ‘Sun Street’ in 1986 and ‘That’s The Way’ in 1989, with performances at Madison Square Garden, The Mall, Washington DC, The Marquee Club and CBGBs where Katrina sang with Joey Ramone. Katrina was also the featured vocalist on Natalie Imbruglia’s ‘Torn’and albums made by Hanoi Rocks and Holly Valance. She recorded ‘We Gotta Get Out of This Place’ as a duet with Eric Burden and sang a guest track on Rick Wakeman’s ‘Return To The Centre of the Earth’.
In 1997 Katrina and the Waves’ ‘Love Shine A Light’ won the Eurovision Song Contest with the largest ever margin, followed by an unprecedented four consecutive appearances on Top Of The Pops and a No. 3 in the UK Charts.
The following year, Katrina and the Waves split up and Katrina pursued an alternative career on radio and TV. She was a TV presenter on Watchdog on BBC1 with Anne Robinson and was then offered her own show on BBC Radio 2 – where she presented a three-hour show, five days a week for the next year and a half. This was followed by a stint in musical theatre, where Katrina played the lead role (the songwriter Ellie Greenwich) in Leader of the Pack, singing some of the songs that had influenced her as a young singer.
In 2001, Katrina – ex Katrina and The Waves began a solo career, performing live in the UK and in Europe and resumed writing and recording. Her first solo album, ‘Katrina Leskanich’ was released in October 2005. Katrina wrote and produced many of the songs on the album, which includes collaborations with Phil Thornalley, (‘Torn’) and an acoustic cover of Kirsty MacColl’s, ‘They Don’t Know’.
In 2006, Katrina put together a new band, performing their first gig at The Borderline in London.
In 2007 Katrina covered ‘Hitsville UK’ on ‘The Sandinista! Project’ – a new compilation and tribute to The Clash Sandinista! Album. And toured Australia on the Countdown Spectacular tour and Norway with Gylne Tider. Katrina’s single ‘They Don’t Know’ was included on the Gylne Tider 2 album which went platinum. The following year, Katrina had a UK club hit in 2008 with a dance version of ‘They Don’t Know’.
2010 – Katrina celebrated 25th Anniversary of ‘Walking on Sunshine’ with the release of a new CD, ‘THE LIVE ALBUM’ and the Glee Cast had a UK Top 10 hit with a mash up of Beyonce’s ‘Halo’ and Katrina & The Waves ‘Walking on Sunshine’. The EP ‘Spiritualize’ was released in May 2011.
2012 – Katrina and her new band and performed at the Ultimate 80s Festival, The Acoustic Festival of Britain, Rewind Scotland, Here and Now at Ascot Racecourse, Gig in The Park and the Keitele Jazz Festival in Finland plus shows in Belgium, Germany, The Netherlands, Norway and Sweden.
2013 – Katrina and her band perform at festivals in the UK, Spain, Italy and Belgium.
Mr Weebl: Jonti Picking
Elvis Shmelvis
Elvis Shmelvis is probably THE most recognised Elvis Impersonator in the UK today. When ever you see an Elvis Impersonator on TV, it is usually Shmelvis as he is a favourite of many TV channels, and not for no good reason! Check out our gallery of snaps to see just how popular he is. Shmelvis has played the part of Elvis in Holby City several times, has been featured on ‘Come Dine With Me’ and is a regular on ‘The ONE Show’Shmelvis has also featured on ‘Blue Peter’, ‘Weakest Link’…The list is endless!! As an Outstanding Elvis Impersonator, you would be hard pressed to find an act more qualified or professional than Shmelvis, as a Multi Award Winning Tribute Act appearing at venues such as Trafalgar Square, Milton Keynes Bowl and at exclusive venues all over London and the South East. Elvis Shmelvis is not only THE best choice for you, he is the ONLY choice if you are looking for an outstanding act that encompasses actual entertainment and real music, Shmelvis plays guitars that are exact replicas of the ones played by the Big Man Himself… From his base in St.Albans, he travels extensively around the UK gathering fans and tributes everywhere he goes. If you are in any doubt, don’t just take our word for it-take a look at our testimonial page for the best possible feedback that you can get-feedback from our much loved fans that have seen, followed and reviewed Shmelvis – ’THE ONE AND ONLY ELVIS IMPERSONATOR’ !With authentic costumes made by the same people that made The Kings, the best equipment and a Singing Voice that has been mistaken for miming (seriously!!) This is not just an Elvis impersonator – this is an EXPERIENCE that you will Never Forget – Don’t Hesitate to contact us for your ‘Individually Tailored Show’ For THE One and Only Elvis impersonator and the Best in the Business, get in touch today !
Also, if you are looking for an ‘Elvis Impersonator in London’ – look no further than Elvis Shmelvis!
Elvis Shmelvis: British Elvis impersonator Martyn Dias brings his Jewishness to the job. A British man is in huge demand as the UK’s only professional Jewish Elvis impersonator. Marketing himself as ‘Elvis Shmelvis’, Martyn Dias has spent much of his adult life paying tribute to ‘the King’. JN1’s Edward Baran went to meet him.
Richard Bonfield
Richard Bonfield
This poem was written by Richard Bonfield for Brian May and Save Me. For more information go to www.save-me.org.uk. The poem is read by the lovely Virginia McKenna with music composed and performed by Brian May.
Hugh Warwick
Hugh Warwick
is an ecologist and writer with a particular fondness for hedgehogs. His first book, A Prickly Affair, remains the only book to have accolades from both Jeanette Winterson and Ann Widdecombe on the cover. The Beauty in the Beast is published in May 2012 and takes him on a journey in search of other animals. In November 2012 he returns to hedgehogs with a book about the iconography of the animal.
Todd Dorigo
Todd Dorigo
I’m a singer-songwriter from Manchester, and I’ve been writing and gigging for around 7 years. I dropped out of uni last year to be completely devoted to my music and I haven’t looked back. I draw a lot of inspiration from 60’s rock’n’roll bands like The Kinks, The Rolling Stones and Beach Boys. Also, great songwriters really interest me like Elvis Costello, Buddy Holly and John Lennon. I now have a great rock’n’roll band behind me now and we’re on the road playing as much as we can. Hopefully we’ll see you on our travels!
Peace, Todd
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ToddDorigoOfficial/?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/todddorigo
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/todd-dorigo
Instagram: https://instagram.com/todddorigo/
Alexandra Bastedo
Alexandra Bastedo
Alexandra was a supporter of Wildlife Rocks and will be sadly missed by us, all who knew her and especially the animals.
Patrons: Lorraine Chase, Peter Egan, William Gaunt, Joanna Lumley, Virginia McKenna & Pollyanna Pickering
President: Sue Jameson
Alexandra Bastedo ABC Animal Sanctuary
http://www.abcanimalsanctuary.co.uk/
The aims of the Sanctuary are to rescue abandoned animals and animals in distress, to provide them with care and protection and – where possible – to find them a new home where they can be happy, safe and properly cared for.
Patrons are the actress and animal rights campaigner Joanna Lumley, William Gaunt – actor and Alexandra’s colleague from “The Champions”, Pollyanna Pickering – the renowned wild life artist, actor Peter Egan, and Alexandra’s friend of many years, actress Lorraine Chase. We are also honoured to have actress Sue Jameson as our President.
We hope you enjoy your visit here, that you’ll like the photos of our lovely animals and the work we do for them here at the Sanctuary, and that you’ll return often.
Marc the Vet
Marc the Vet
Marc qualified from Edinburgh University and has since worked in small animal, mixed, and emergency practice, as well as volunteering oversees for animal rescue projects including vaccinating dogs against rabies in Mumbai, rescuing dancing bears in Ukraine, saving cats and dogs in post-tsunami Thailand, neutering pets in the Amazon, and operating on moonbears in Chengdu, China.
As well as employing his veterinary skills both here and abroad, current ‘Vet of the Year’ Marc also campaigns for numerous animal welfare issues including microchipping, rescue pet adoption, responsible breeding, and against puppy farming. In 2009 he set up PupAid, a national puppy farming awareness campaign that involves an annual fun dog show in London as well as being responsible for the biggest pet welfare petition of all time, part of his relentless lobbying of MPs in Westminster to positively influence laws affecting our nation’s pets.
Marc began his TV career as resident vet on The Paul O’Grady Show, and has since appeared giving pet advice on BBC Breakfast, ITV’s This Morning, Alan Titchmarsh Show, Good Morning Britain (previously Daybreak), It’s Me Or the Dog, Crufts, Animal Rescue Live, as well as a series on Sky One called My Pet Shame alongside Gavin & Stacey’s Joanna Page.
As well as TV, Marc has also written two books: Vet on Call, and Pets in Need. Marc regularly blogs for The Huffington Post and has composed over 1000 articles, columns, blogs on caring for animals for local, special interest, professional, and national media. Marc is experienced at public speaking, weekly newspaper and magazine columns, on all aspects of vet practice; especially customer/client care, responsible pet ownership, social media, PR, and animal welfare issues.
Marc regularly visits local schools to teach pupils about looking after animals, and often appears on radio, online, and social media raising awareness of important UK and global animal welfare issues, from pet obesity and fireworks night, to tick awareness and keeping wild animals in captivity. His corporate work includes working with brands such as The Guardian, Direct Line Pet Insurance, and Netmums, and his iPhone app Canine Care is free to download in the App Store offering tips for pet owners too.
Marc is an independent advisor to the Kennel Club of Great Britain, as well as proud patron of a few animal welfare charities including Oldies Club, Labrador Retriever Rescue Southern England, K9 Crusaders, Speaking Out For Animals, and is also an active supporter of various animal welfare organisations including Animals Asia, The Mayhew Animal Home, Wood Green Animal Shelter, Safe Haven for Donkeys in Holy Land, and many more. Marc’s hobbies include snowboarding and scuba diving.
Wolfman Shaun Ellis
Wolfman Shaun Ellis
Shaun Ellis has joined a pack of wolves, living and behaving like them. Abandoned at birth, three wolf pups are raised by Shaun who then teaches them the ways of the wild. As they grow up, he feeds, sleeps and breaths the same air as his wolves and in return they give him a place in the pack. Seeing the world as a wolf, Shaun takes a step further and comes up with a plan to help wild wolves threatened in Poland.
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Over 20 years of studying wolf behaviour from within the pack Shaun Ellis hasn’t just watched wolves from a distance! Star of “The Wolfman” and “Mr & Mrs Wolf”, Shaun has an exceptional bond with dogs and wolves, and his passion to understand these remarkable animals has compelled him not only to fully integrate with captive wolf packs but also to be accepted by and live amongst a totally wild wolf pack. During this time Shaun has accumulated an in-depth knowledge .He and his team at The Wolf Centre not only offer a variety of magical experiences but also a range of specially designed dog courses focusing on Shaun’s perspective with regard to dog psychology, dog training and dog behaviour. Shaun believes that to really understand how your dog thinks, you need to apply some general principles of wolf psychology and behaviour and look at what we term “the wild side of your dog”.
Even today, Shaun maintains a fundamental role within his captive wolf packs. By studying their behaviour from within Shaun lives between two worlds – the human world and that of the wolf.His passion and courage enables each and every one of us to achieve a greater understanding of the balance and beauty of nature and opens our mind to consider the conservation of species worldwide.
The somewhat unusual lifestyle of Shaun Ellis has led to significant UK and global media interest over the years. In the past year he has travelled to Italy, USA and Belgium and been filmed by Brazilian, Australian, French and Romanian TV crews, appeared in The Guardian newspaper and more.
However Shaun’s primary focus, together with his wife, conservation biologist Dr Isla Fishburn, is to always remains totally committed to promoting information and awareness of the plight of the wolf, and to improving mankind’s knowledge of wolf and dog behaviour, ecology and biodiversity through continued research & education.
The teachings of the Nez Perce tribe with whom Shaun lived for seven years, together with the teachings of the wild and captive wolf packs have given Shaun “a voice” – a deeper understanding of the world at large. He continues to work tirelessly in order to protect and conserve wolves and their natural habitats and you can support him.
Taiko
Taiko
The Incredible Japanese Taiko Drums
Taiko means ‘drum’ in Japanese.
Tamashii means ‘soul’ or ‘spirit’.
Taiko Drumming has been a part of the Japanese culture for centuries. Its roots lie in the temples and shrines all over Japan where they are played at religious festivals and ceremonies.
Taiko is an intensely musical and physical experience, the training demanding stamina, discipline and commitment.
It is an open and honest expression of the ‘here and now’.
Tamashii School of Taiko students study and train the art of Japanese drumming under Liz Walters.
Liz has performed and taught Wadaiko (Japanese drums) throughout the UK and worldwide for over 16 years and teaches annually in Japan.
She shares her knowledge and experience of the ‘Way of Taiko’ with passion and sincerity, through workshops, classes and performances at schools, public and private events.
Taiko Events on the day –
12.00am-12.45pm Come to see a demonstration of Taiko given by students from Taiko School
Following this, Liz will be facilitating a hands-on workshop for all those who wish to have a go! So don’t be shy, just come and try – you’ll be hooked! First come first served so make sure you get there early!
3.30pm-4.00pm The drumming highlight will be an exhilerating, energetic and highly visual display of Japanese Taiko by the Tamashii Daiko performance troupe.
Their speciality is the traditional and challenging ‘mitsu uchi’ rhythm which involves playing colourful, expressive solos within a tight unison.
A key component to their style is the direction of ‘ki’ energy into their highly choreographed playing.
Prepare to be blown away!
Heather Peace
Heather Peace
Heather Peace (born 16 June 1975) is an English actress, musician and LGBT rights activist from Bradford, England.Heather Peace was born in Bradford, West Yorkshire. She has been playing piano since she was six years old, and guitar since her teens. Peace decided to be an actress at an early age and credits her parents for the encouragement they gave her to achieve that goal. Acting career[edit] Peace studied acting at Manchester Metropolitan University, where she obtained a BA (Hons). Peace’s break into television came when she joined Emmerdale, playing the character Anne Cullen from 1996 to 1997.
Her first professional stage role was in the 1997 Harrogate Theatre production of My Fair Lady, playing Eliza Doolittle. She subsequently has played Miranda in Shakespeare’s The Tempest and the same character in the actor-musician spoof Return to the Forbidden Planet. After leaving Emmerdale, Peace took parts in The Bill and Dangerfield, before being cast as Firefighter Sally “Gracie” Fields in the ITV series London’s Burning from 1998 until the programme’s cancellation in 2002. During this time, Peace made a TV movie called Thunder Road, in which she played Sonia. Between 2003 and 2005, Peace played minor roles in television series including Casualty and Where the Heart Is. Peace played Special Air Service Trooper Becca Gallagher on the ITV action series Ultimate Force alongside Ross Kemp. Becca was part of the 3rd and 4th series, aired between 2005 and 2008. Peace has given credit to the writers for making Becca ‘one of the lads’, rather than an overly emotional character and said she had ‘so much fun’ playing the hero in the show. Ross Kemp has argued the show is made far more interesting by including a female role and believes Peace was the perfect choice for the part (“she is absolutely superb”).
During 2006 and 2007, Peace starred in Kay Mellor‘s TV series The Chase as single mum Fiona Jones. Quite a different character to the action girls often played by Peace, Fiona is portrayed as a left out family member whose resentment and betrayals lead into unexpected sinister behaviour. She then appeared in television series including Coronation Street, Heartbeat and Holby City. In 2008, Peace appeared as the secretly abusing wife in the “Private Sins” episode of Blue Murder.
She also starred in the film 31 North 62 East where Peace plays again part of a Special Air Service unit. Peace is Captain Jill Mandelson, who will seek help in her twin Kimberly (also played by Peace) to unfold the political corruption that lead to the death of the rest of her unit. In 2010, Peace was cast as Detective Sergeant Sam Murray in the BBC Three TV series Lip Service. Peace argued that being the only openly lesbian cast member influenced the attention she received regarding the show. The series, written by Harriet Braun, revolves around the loves and lives of group of aged-30-something lesbians in Glasgow, Scotland. The show reached cult status within the first few episodes, with Peace’s character Sam, and the actor herself, becoming also the object of cult (“Team Sam” movement among fans of the show). Filming of the second series finished in July 2011 with a transmission date of spring 2012.
In 2011, Peace was cast as Head of English, Nikki Boston before being appointed Deputy Headteacher in 2013 for the BBC One school-drama Waterloo Road. Following a tour of her debut album, she returned to the series for the second part of Series 8. She also featured in Series 9, which screened on BBC One in September 2013. She took another break from Waterloo Road at the end of series 9 Spring Term but has hinted that she may return in Series 11. However, it is unlikely she will return, due to the show’s tenth season being its last.
In 2014, Peace took part in ITV’s three part drama Prey as Abi Farrow, wife of main character Detective Constable Marcus Farrow (played by BAFTA nominee John Simm). The drama was directed by BAFTA winner Nick Murphy. Singing career
Peace was classically trained at piano since she was six years old, and later learned guitar. She held a jazz residency at Velvet while she attended drama school.
In a 2000 episode of London’s Burning, Peace’s character sang a version of the Bette Midler classic The Rose. Subsequently released by BMG, it reached no. 56 in the UK charts. She decided to put her music career on hold to concentrate on acting but in 2011 she reignited her love of music with her first sell out UK tour and release of an acoustic album of covers and some original songs. She recorded her full debut jazz album Fairytales with producer Nigel Wright. Following release on 21 May 2012, it achieved number 43 in the UK Albums Chart and number 9 in the independent albums chart, supported by a UK tour. Heather’s Fairytales UK tour culminated with a concert in London, where Peace shared a duet with Alison Moyet. In 2013 she released a new single, a Jack Guy remix of “Fight For” available on iTunes, and a special edition of her debut album “Fairytales”. She has toured Australia twice, where she has taken part in the Sydney Mardi Gras performing on stage as well as hosting the event for the SBS TV.
On the 9th of June 2014, the single “We Can Change”, and her second studio album The Thin Line were officially released. Peace launched the new single with Europe´s first rainbow crossing, in Brighton. All the songs in “The Thin Line” (as well as her previous studio album, Fairytales) are written by Peace. Some of the tracks, however, are the result of a joined work with other songwriters. Such is the case of the single “We Can Change”, written by Peace and Shelly Poole, or the song “Lily” (freely available to download from her official website), a co-write by Peace and her guitarist Michael Clancy.
Peace worked in this new album with producer James Lewis, both having a “duty of care” on it. Her focus on her music (she took a break from acting), as well as the extensive work on the album, that did not finish until they both (musician and producer) were perfectly satisfied with it, concluded in The Thin Line, an album she is incredibly proud of. Following the release of the album, Peace performed in a number of festivals over the summer. The Thin Line tour, during which Peace and her band performed the songs from the new album, took place in October 2014. An acoustic tour will follow in March / April and September / October 2015. Next plans related to her music include a new EP, as well as a European and a full band UK Tour on Spring 2016.
Essex Dog Rescue
Essex Dog Rescue
he most amazing dog display team on the planet. The Essex Dog Training Centre was formed in 1979 to help owners build a bond between themselves and their dog so that they both know what is expected of each other. This organisation was formed, and is run totally by volunteers who, although are highly qualified, do not receive payment. All training fees are invested back into the excellent facilities which you are able to use. Whilst looking through our website you will not find lots of ‘questionable’ testimonials as used by many training centres. We invite you to visit our training centre, have a look around, ask questions, speak to people, watch a training class in action and then make your own decision. The Centre has a very welcoming atmosphere with a non-fanatic attitude. We do however always recommend that you visit as many dog training centres/clubs that you can before making the final decision on where is best for you and your dog to receive training. Over 90% of members attending our centre do so on recommendation.
All the training methods used by our 12 Instructors are reward based i.e, treats, toys or verbal praise. We do not advise the ‘total domination method’ of force on a dog which has often been used by many training centres/clubs and organisations. Whilst it is important that a degree of firmness is used when training your dog it is imperative that you are fair and always reward good behaviour. We do not allow the use of ‘choke chains’, ‘spiked collars’ or ‘electric collars’. The type of collars and leads we recommend can be found by clicking here.
The classes are ongoing, we do not expect you to sign up for a course as we understand many people work shifts and have other commitments. The cost of the class includes both obedience and agility. You can attend as little or as often as you wish and once a member you only pay when you attend a class. Children are welcome to attend under strict supervision of parents/guardians at all times, they are welcome to train their dog as long as they are over eight years of age providing they can physically control the dog. Times and prices of the classes can be found by clicking here.
Our great team of qualified, dedicated and friendly Instructors are here to help. You will not be shouted at, intimidated or made to feel silly. In the early stages of training we recommend you attend at least once a week, but remember the more effort you put into training your dog, the more results you will see.
The Training Centre, along with the Display Team, have been selected to appear in over 130 television broadcasts, many of which have been shown Worldwide. HRH The Duchess of Cornwall recently visited the Centre after a request by The Lord Lieutenant Petre of Essex to arrange the visit. Annual events are held where you may have the chance to be awarded, or nominated for, one of our prestigious awards. Throughout the year competitions are randomly held and you will get the chance to be presented with a rosette for good training achievements.
Should you decide to use our training facility, or would just like to see what we do, please come along on any training session – no appointment necessary.
We look forward to seeing you at the Essex Dog Training Centre.
Please note we are not connected or part of any other dog training organisation or dog display team and we are only based in Brentwood.
Virginia (McKenna OBE)
Virginia McKenna OBE
Following a successful career as an actress, Virginia started Zoo Check in 1984 with her late husband, Bill Travers, and eldest son, Will, after the premature death of Pole Pole, an elephant she had come to know during the filming of ‘An Elephant Called Slowly’ who was later gifted to London Zoo by the Kenya Government. Zoo Check later became the registered charity, the Born Free Foundation.
Whilst Virginia still finds time to work occasionally as an actress, her leading role now is within the conservation and animal welfare movement. Virginia has also authored, co-authored and co-edited numerous books as well as travelling extensively over the years visiting zoos about which the Born Free Foundation has received complaints and, wherever possible, she accompanies rescued Big Cats to Born Free’s sanctuaries in India and South Africa. Virginia also speaks at numerous events, supports various other charitable organisations and is patron to many others.
BORN FREE SUNG BY KERRY ELLIS WITH BRIAN MAY
The Troggs
The Troggs
PLEASE CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL THAT GIGS HAVE NOT BEEN CANCELLED OR RESCHEDULED.
MAY 2014
Saturday 31st. Rock Against Cancer. Concert At The Kings. The Kings Arms. Pub Lane. All Canning. Wiltshire. SN10 3PA.
Artists confirmed to date: The Troggs, The Boomtown Rats & Paul Young with Los Pacaminos. More to be announced.
www.concertatthekings.co.uk Tickets £51.50.
JUNE 2014Saturday 21st. The Brindley. Runcorn. Cheshire. Plus The Move. www.thebrindley.org.uk
Friday 27th. The Stables. Wavedon. Milton Keynes. MK17 8LU. Box Office: 01908 280800. www.stables.org
SEPTEMBER 2014
Sunday 28th. Whitby 60’s Festival. Whitby Pavilion. www.whitbylive.co.uk For tickets call 01757 700042.
OCTOBER 2014
Friday 10th. Seacroft Holiday Village. Hemsby. Near Great Yarmouth. Solid Gold 60’s Weekend. Friday 10th – Monday 12th. www.richardsonholidayvillages.co.uk
Saturday 25th. The Spring Arts & Heritage Centre. East Street. Havant. Hampshire. PO9 1BS. 023 9224 9067. www.thespring.co.uk
NOVEMBER 2014
Sunday 16th. “Yesterday Once More”. Swinging Sixties Weekend. Fri 13th – Mon 17th. Holiday Resort Unity.
Brean Sands. Somerset. TA8 2RB. Tel 01934 733958. www.yesterdayoncemore.co.uk
DECEMBER 2014
Sunday 14th. Butlins. Skegness. Lincolnshire. www.butlins.com 60’s festival. Friday 12th – Monday 15th.
Will Travers OBE
Will Travers OBE
BORN FREE FOUNDATION
Will Travers has dedicated most of his life to wildlife issues, ever since he lived with his family in Kenya while his parents, actors Virginia McKenna and Bill Travers, made the film ‘Born Free’ (1966). In 1984 he co-founded the charitable organization which has become known as The Born Free Foundation. Born Free’s projects and campaigns now span five continents and are supported worldwide. In 2002, Will brought the message of “compassionate conservation” to America and launched Born Free USA, now a nationally recognized leader in animal welfare and wildlife conservation. Through litigation, legislation, and public education, BFUSA leads vital campaigns against animals in entertainment, exotic “pets”, trapping and fur, and the destructive international wildlife trade. BFUSA’s Primate Sanctuary in Texas is home to more than 500 primates rescued from laboratories, roadside zoos, and private possession. BFUSA’s mission is to end the suffering of wild animals in captivity, conserve threatened and endangered species, and encourage compassionate conservation globally.
Peter Donegan
Peter Donegan
THE PRINCE OF SKIFFLE
The Prince of Skiffle Peter Donegan talks about his father Lonnie Donegan, Van Morrison and the relation between Skiffle & Blues
Posted by Michalis Limnios BLUES @ GREECE on January 22, 2012 at 10:00am
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“Music is for me the ultimate form of expression which can inspire others and change our moods.”
PETER DONEGAN & THE LONNIE DONEGAN BAND
, son of Lonnie is a talented musician in his own right. He has joined force with the Lonnie Donegan band that toured with the legend for the last 30 years.
Peter is not only a talented performer but also a talented songwriter. Having developed his own style, Peter accompanied by the Lonnie Donegan Band will perform some of Lonnie’s classics such as “Putting On The Style”, “Have a Drink On Me”, “Rock Island Line”, and “Pick a Bale of Cotton” to name just a few. But they also delve into some of Lonnie’s lesser, known recordings. This combined with original numbers written by Peter adds up to a great night of Skiffle, Blues, Jazz and a lot of foot-stomping fun!
Peter began his education in the entertainment business at the age of five at the Barbara Speak stage school in London. After this Peter was educated by his father Lonnie Donegan, M.B.E. as well as receiving private tuition on the piano, achieving grade 7 as well as attending the summer school at Sylvia Young’s theatre school at the age of thirteen. Once Peter turned eighteen, he was invited to join the Lonnie Donegan Band, performing as keyboard player with the band and as the opening act before each concert. Peter spent two years in the band where he was able to learn hands on from the experience of his father Lonnie and during that time he also worked with Van Morrison.
After the untimely death of Lonnie during a tour, the family organized, a tribute at the Royal Albert Hall in London, during which, Peter and the Lonnie Donegan Band were provided backing for a kaleidoscope of well known artists, which included, Chas ‘n’ Dave, Billy Bragg, Rolf Harris, Ralf McTell, Barron Nights, Rick Wakeman, Mark Knopfler, Joe Brown, Roger Daltry, Joe Cocker, Van Morrison, Chris Barber, Bruce Welch and Chris Farlow. During the concert, Peter performed a number of songs including one Lonnie’s Frankie and Johnny with Hogan’s Heroes. In 2007, Peter performed on tour with Crystal Gayle on her British tour as her opening act and performed a song with Crystal and her band during her set. Peter has performed with a variety of musicians at The Sage, Gateshead as a guest: – Bill Wyman and his Rhythm Kings, featuring Eddie Floyd, Albert Lee and Hogan’s Heroes.
Stand By Me” (Peter Donegan Acoustic Cover Version) & Peter Donegan (Electric Skiffle That Will Rock Your Soul)
Peter the formed his own band, the Peter Donegan Band playing a mixture of material that Lonnie played but in Peter’s own style and new material written by Peter. In 2006 they recorded a live album, The Elephant on the Tyne. They played at venues across the North East as well as appearing at a number of festivals, developing a fan base along the way. In 2009 Peter decided that he wanted to take a different musical direction and teamed up with the original Lonnie Donegan Band and took to the road with The Lonnie Donegan Band.
Interview by Michael Limnios
When was your first desire to become involved in music, what are your first musical memories?
Ever since I was born I have loved music and even before I had lessons I couldn’t pass by a piano without wanting to touch it.
One of my first musical memories was always watching my father from the side of the stage. My mother tells me that even when I was a baby I wouldn’t go to sleep until after the concerts were finished and that I would watch intensely until the end. I also remember the first guitar my father bought for me was a little classical guitar which my father used to play with me sometimes to encourage me and teach me.
What was the first gig you ever went to & what were the first songs you learned?
I can’t really remember the first one as there were many other than my father’s concerts. When I was younger I sometimes didn’t really know who they all were or even really realize what they meant to other people because they were friends of my father and that is how I saw them.
The first song I learned how to play I remember very well. Vangelis’ Chariots Of Fire on the piano. I taught myself to play it by listening to the original. I was probably about 10 at the time. I have had such a wide taste in music since very young and the simplicity yet beauty of the song caught my ear plus it was much easier than the blues and stride piano I really aspired to play as at this point I hadn’t had any lessons yet.
Which is the most interesting period in your life and why?
This is a difficult one to answer because there have been so many for me.
I think really it amounts to 2 times. 1st is when I first joined my father’s band at the age of 18. My father was going on his last tour and I was to become his piano player.
You see, I had grown up watching these musicians and appreciating them for their obvious great talents and to suddenly be playing alongside them was a huge compliment and experience. I learned a lot during that tour and it was very sad when we didn’t get to finish because my father past away.
2nd is definitely when we did my father’s Tribute at the Royal Albert Hall in London. It was a day of many emotions, most of all pride. We had a waiting list for cancelations that could have filled the theatre twice and a huge list of performers who wanted to be there but couldn’t due to lack of space or other engagements including the Rolling Stones, Elton John, Brian May, Eric Clapton etc….
The artists we did have there were magnificent. Van Morrison, Chris Barber, Joe Cocker, Bruce Welsh from the Shadows.
It was so wonderful to see the influence my father had still and how many people were willing to come and celebrate his life. To stand on that stage with my brothers and those artists knowing that we were all there for one man.
What does music offered you? Do you think that your music comes from the heart, the brain or the soul?
It comes from them all. Music is life as far as I am concerned. Without it the world is very dull. Music is for me the ultimate form of expression which can inspire others and change our moods. For me to write a song is a huge satisfaction and way to escape from reality, a way to express myself and my emotions also a therapy. Without music we as a human race would be nothing.
What experiences in your life make you a GOOD musician?
I suppose the ones I mentioned earlier. I have played alongside people like Van Morrison, Brian May, Joe Cocker and with my father’s band and above all I have had the one man who changed British music as my mentor.
What are some of the most memorable gigs you’ve had?
I have had a few. 1st would be father’s tribute I mentioned before and also I love doing festivals. I love the atmosphere of people joining together to just enjoy music. People come to festivals with a more open mind to music as they haven’t come for just one artist or style and as such is a great opportunity to experiment with new songs and as such brings me to one last concert I did recently in the UK whereas always I ask of the audience have any requests of my father’s songs and I was met with silence. When I asked again one lady sitting in the front said,
“We haven’t come to hear your father’s songs, we just like you!”
That was a very nice feeling to be recognized as me.
Which was the best moment of your career and which was the worst?
The best was the day of my father’s tribute concert. The worst was doing a working man’s club in Middleborough, UK, with a man doing heroin in front of me while I sung.
Of all the people you’ve meet, who do you admire the most?
My father, Van Morrison, Michael Jackson.
Why did you think that Donegan’s music, continues to generate such a devoted following?
I think because of the pure energy which my father produced. The songs are simple so everyone can sing them with you and I have noticed at all concerts I do, people who don’t know anything about what I sing can’t help but start to feel it.
What characterize the sound and philosophy of Lonnie Donegan’s music?
Energy. Pure energy! Plus the songs all have a story which makes them more interesting, but definitely the ability to get your foot stomping.
Do you have any amusing tales to tell from the stage with Lonnie Donegan?
I remember my father used to receive pieces of paper send backstage with requests for songs and once there was one from a little girl who was only 9 years old, it said, “Please can you sing the song “Beans In My Ears” as I love it so much, my grandparents have raised me listening to your music” To which father jokingly said, “That’s cruelty to children that is”. And I made a comment, “So what about me?”
At the time is was amusing and everyone laughed except for my father, he wasn’t amused, but that actually made the situation more funny.
Plus we were performing and for some unknown reason a couple were so happy with the performance they lifted their little girl onto the stage. We were very confused and I had to escort her down of the stage.
What advice has given your father, Lonnie?
Many, my father was very helpful to me. He said to always practice so that the worse we performed was still good.
To remember to always respect the people who come to see the show because they are paying you a compliment by being here with you.
How difficult is for you to “carry” this name in the music business?
Many people ask this question and I always say it isn’t!
I will tell you what my job is. My job is to help everyone who comes to my concerts to forget about all of their troubles at home and have fun. That is the best job in the world and if it wasn’t for my father I might not have that.
Peter, how do you feel now, when you see younger musicians playing Donegan’s music?
Proud!
Which is the most interesting period of the Lonnie Donegan Band and why?
Every night on stage. We never play anything the same way it always has a different emotion to it and with such great musicians we can explore every aspect of that.
Where do you get inspiration for your songs & what are your best songs, you’d most like to be remembered for?
For me inspiration can come from many places. Sometimes I have had a bad experience and I write about it. Sometimes I just want to write a song and I make up a story in my head and write about that, sometimes I fell in love and that is always a powerful emotion to write about as we can all sympathize with this, so gives the song an extra connection with the listener. I will let the public decide which one is the best
What do you think is the main characteristic of your personality that made you a musician?
My inability to be able to have a normal routine in life. I cannot bare to get up every day and go to the same place and do the same thing every day. I have grown up in this magical world and to me it’s an addiction.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians thinking of pursuing a career in the craft?
Work very hard! Be prepared for disappointment but never give in!
What do you think about SKIFFLE music & how close are to BLUES?
Very close! Skiffle is a mixture of Blues with Country, Folk, and Jazz. It’s great because you get so much variety in one night’s concert.
Some music styles can be fads but the blues is always with us. Why do think that is?
It’s uncomplicated, easy to listen to, something most people can learn to play themselves which ads a connection and draws from an emotional pain we all have and releases it.
If you go back to the past what things you would do better and what things you would a void to do again?
The list is endless ha ha. But I don’t think we should change anything as it is these experiences that make us who we are.
Which of historical music personalities would you like to meet?
Ray Charles, Duke Ellington, Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley.
This interview is taken from http://blues.gr/profiles/blogs/the-prince-of-skiffle-peter-donegan-talks-about-his-father-lonnie Posted by Michalis Limnios BLUES @ GREECE on January 22, 2012 at 10:00am
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/peterdoneganofficial
Webpage – http://www.peterdonegan.com/home.html
Crazy Chris
Crazy Chris
CRAZY CHRIS
Phone – 08007 819555
If you are looking for a venue, then take a look at my handy list
razy Chris is an amazing entertainer who can memorise over 30 children’s names in a matter of minutes. Thus ensuring that every party guest is made to feel special as well as the Birthday Boy or Girl.
Crazy Chris is a member of The Magic Circle and a highly skilled magician. Not only does his young audience gasp with amazement but Crazy Chris’ quick wit and comical routines has the kids rolling with laughter from start to finish.
Prince Harry
HRH Prince Harry continues laughing at another one of Crazy Chris’ jokes.
The Crazy Chris Show features a variety of fun activities for all to enjoy, including Magic, Juggling, Audience Participation, Balloonology, Plate Spinning and a Disco with flashing lights.
As an experienced entertainer Crazy Chris has travelled the world and has entertained royalty and celebrities. He has made several TV appearances including being featured on BBC TV’s Eastenders.
Watch the video by clicking here
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Crazy Chris’ jovial personality makes him an increasingly popular entertainer. Crazy Chris is often booked several weeks in advance, so if you planning on having a party to celebrate your child’s birthday please phone Crazy Chris today.
Crazy Chris is the magic memory man who will make your child’s party memorable for years to come.
To avoid disappointment phone:
CRAZY CHRIS on 01784 453192
Dear Chris,
Thank you for entertaining both the children and the adults on Friday. Lulu really enjoyed her party, and as she asked for a “funny man”, it could not of gone any better! I have had a lot of positive feedback from mothers and children alike and would not hesitate to recommend you in the future. Thank you for putting so much effort into making the party a success.
Kind regards Sara Thompson
To read more like this – visit the Testimonials Page
The Telepathics
The Telepathics
A demonstration of telepathic ability that will give you a performance unlike any other in the UK.
A team of two of the UK’s top magicians – Mike Stoner and Chris Hare – both members of the world’s foremost magical society.
“THE MAGIC CIRCLE”
There are only a few acts like this in the world
It takes years of practice and dedication to achieve this incredible telepathic connection
Your guests will never have seen anything like it before
The Telepathics have appeared on BBC1, ITV and SKY
They have performed for many major companies and celebrities, including royalty
What they can do will astound you
Objects, dates, names and much more – all revealed by telepathic ability
Think of someone special to you – they know their star sign and birthday!
Think of any random word – they know what it is!
Take out a banknote – they can tell you the serial number!
Webpage – www.telepathics.co.uk
