Tony Jebb Benefit at Blackpool Tower Weekender

I am very happy to report that thanks to Kev Roberts and Richard Searling a benefit for Tony Jebb will take place during the Blackpool Tower Weekender in November this year. Full details below:

Tony Jebb Benefit at Blackpool Tower Weekender

Date: Nov 9-11, 2012

Special TJ Favourites Hour dedication on Saturday 10th November

Tony is eager to attend the event to meet friends old & new. It promises to be an emotional re-union.

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Many on this forum will remember Tony Jebb, the legendary DJ from Blackpool, who, along with Ian Levine, Colin Curtis and Les Cockell (RIP) played a major part in establishing The Highland Room as the UK's best northern soul venue during the early 70's.

The mid-sized room was on the top floor of Blackpools' Mecca establishment and people in the know would travel from far and wide to be there every Saturday night to hear the best there was in up-tempo soul rarities of the day.

For me, Tony was always Number 1. TJ stood out from the crowd with his long hair, tank tops and flares and yet this northern geezer looking like he was on his way to a Slade concert played soul music to die for - loud. Tony's talents on the mike were also unbeatable as he charmingly kept the dancers in excited anticipation for the next "sound" with his eccentric loud 1000 mph announcements like "... that was the brilliant Vibrations for you ...... MEANTIME we've got the sounds of Wendy Rene and Bar-B-Q." The record would start on the button and dancers didn't even realize there was a break in the music.

Tony knew how to keep the floor full and then some. He also knew his stuff and would never compromise by playing a record he personally didn't like. Unlike many a DJ, he essentially played for himself and his own taste but also knew what would please the floor. No messing about with Tony at the decks. Never a dull moment and job well done.

Us London guys loved TJ to bits. We were Mods at the time of course and there was this "hippy" playing the best soul music we had ever heard. One after the other, storming monsters. As we say in the capital ... Jebby was a Top Bloke ïÅ 

That was quite a long time ago now but the memories haven't faded a bit (for most of us). That is why we hope as many people as possible will attend the benefit for Tony who has suffered greatly over the last decade or so from Multiple Sclerosis. He has had 2 hip replacements and years of physio but sadly is now virtually bedridden, although he does occasionally venture out. Tony lives in his own 1-bedroom unit in a care neighborhood but his life is very hard these days.

I have to thank Sheila Hart (now living in San Diego but a Lancashire lass through and through) for putting the idea for the benefit forward. Bless your heart Sheila xxx.

Richard Searling and Kev Roberts, promoters of the Blackpool Tower Weekender are devoting one hour during the weekend to TJ. Some of his friends and colleagues will be spinning and saying a few words, such as his Blackpool Mecca colleague Rod Allsworth (aka Billy the Kid)

By attending the benefit in Blackpool in November you will be able to contribute to a fund for Tony's future care by purchasing raffle tickets. Raffle prizes promise to be well worth owning (no hints just yet) and GoldSoul will also be contributing more than £250 worth of gifts.

A superb tribute to a Northern Soul pioneer - Tony Jebb at the famous Blackpool Tower, Nov 9-11, 2012

www.goldsoul.co.uk

Dave Burton

Hong Kong

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