Kenny Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 For those who did the Mecca and the Torch in the early 70s you will no doubt know about a legendary DJ Tony Jebb. I’ve been asked to inform our soul bros and sisters that he sadly passed away yesterday evening peacefully, with his family by his side. RIP Tony Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Sheila Hart Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 (edited) Rest in Peace Tony......a true ground breaking DJ who opened the door for others to follow......great memories of The Highland Room Blackpool Mecca & The Torch.......feel proud to have known him Edited June 25, 2020 by Sheila Hart 2 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
John Hart Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 My Condolences to his Family Tony was a true gentlemen who brought pleasure through his music to thousands .His early sets at the Mecca where memorable, one of the best DJ,s Ever . 2 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Sheila Hart Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 Agree with you John.....he had a big heart as well Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Preston Soulie Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 Goodbye Tony, you paved the way for the soul DJs of today ! Rest in piece mate ! Paul James Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Preston Soulie Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 Goodbye Tony, you paved the way for the soul DJs of today ! Rest in peace mate ! Paul James. 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Ernie Andrews Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 very sad! He was an icon on the NS scene . RIP Tony 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Pat Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 One of the early pioneers R.I.P. Alan C 2 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Stevegods Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 Very sad news - one of the true legends . RIP Tony Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Tony Foster Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 Very sad news, our sincere condolences to all. RIP. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
petewsheff Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 Very sad news! Top DJ back in the day..RIP mate Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Stevethomson Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 (edited) I feel very privileged to have been a friend of Tony jebb,and feel greatly saddened by his passing.a wonderful person who loved soul music and would share his passion and knowledge to everyone he met.i will always treasure the memories of visiting Tony at his mums house behind Gynn square Blackpool.a truly great DJ,and an even greater mate. Edited June 25, 2020 by SteveThomson Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Davenpete Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 (edited) Only met him once or twice myself - but his legend and track record stands for itself. A sad loss to the scene, very best wishes to his family at this tough time. Dx Edited June 25, 2020 by Davenpete Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Local Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 The first superstar Dj, not just a record selector, this guy had genuine charisma and style to burn. Never really understood why he was so popular with the the girls RIP Tony thanks for the memories Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Kenb Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 now that is heartbreaking news. RIP. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 I was a 16 year old lad who pestered him for his spare copy of Laura Lee- To Win Your Heart which he sold me, can`t remember how much but it couldn`t have been a lot. Absolutely top DJ of any era with a 6th sense of how to put a set together. RIP Tony, your body may rest in peace but your soul goes marching on! Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
25miles Posted June 25, 2020 Share Posted June 25, 2020 sad loss............. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Keithg Posted June 26, 2020 Share Posted June 26, 2020 Sad to hear that Tony has passed away,an iconic deejay of the first degree who knew his music & how to fill the dancefloor,i've always said that he was the person that really got me into 'soul music' in the early 70's at the Highland Room....after my previously playing 'rock music'.For that i have always thought i owe him a great debt of gratitude.i wouldn't be doing what i do now if it wasn't for him..they may have knocked the building down,but no one can take away memories,he never really got the recognition he truly deserved in my opinion,however the music he played back then will hopefully live on,and the memory of his contribution to the early 'soul scene' later to become the 'Northern Soul' will be appreciated for many years to come. R.I.P. Tony ..my sincere condolences go out to your family & friends 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Dothe45 Posted June 26, 2020 Share Posted June 26, 2020 Remember staying over at Tony’s in the early seventies he was a. Good cook too. Made us egg and chips for tea. RIP mate. God be with you. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Soulmark Posted June 26, 2020 Share Posted June 26, 2020 Proper northern soul DJ legend r i p Tony Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
David Meikle Posted June 26, 2020 Share Posted June 26, 2020 Our scene was very special in those early days thanks to guys like Tony. It’s terrible to hear of his passing. RIP Tony Jebb. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Ruisoul Posted June 26, 2020 Share Posted June 26, 2020 Sad News RIP Tony Jebb. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Julianb Posted June 27, 2020 Share Posted June 27, 2020 Tony and Judith were great pals back in the day. Carolyn ( Mrs B now) and I stayed at their flat many times. They were a great couple and guess what, they named their son Julian. Met up with Judith at her place in Spain a few years ago for an afternoon of reminiscing, food and drink. Judith then attended the Mojacar Hitsville weekender a bit later so we chatted much more and then again at the fundraiser held for Tony in Blackpool. I met my namesake for the first time on that evening. Last time I saw Tony was at Devere Hotel in Blackpool at celebrate Ian Levine finishing the SWONS film. Unfortunately Tony was not in the very best of health then but we had a great chat and reminisce about the good old days. I still have a letterheading which I got everyone to sign on the night.Just one story about the Mecca. I DJ'd with Tony at the Mecca when I stood in for Ian Levine whilst he was on one of his USA trips. During on of my spots, a guy requested George Carrow ( the biggest sound at the time). I didn't have it so asked Tony to lend it to me, he replied something along the lines of ' I play that, no one else'. First time I'd come across this as I'd DJ'd many times with the likes of Les Cokell, Graham Slater, Dennis Billingham etc and we'd all share our tunes if necessary. Anyway, I had enough 45s to get by on the night. Unfortunately this Covid 19 business probably means we cannot give Tony the send off he richly deserves but hopefully the family will be able to arrange something to celebrate his life in due course. R.I.P. our old pal Julian and Carolyn 2 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Mr Fred Posted June 27, 2020 Share Posted June 27, 2020 Very sad News, Tony was a legend and truly inspirational. R.I.P. Fred Ward. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Popular Post Vadnochka Posted June 28, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted June 28, 2020 So sad to hear of Tony's passing. First met him as an 18yr. old making my 1st trip to the Mecca - early Nov. 1971. Watched Leicester City lose 3-2 at Old Trafford on the Sat. afternoon in the rain and drove through the sleet to Blackpool and grabbed a B&B - The Argyle on Central Dr. a few hundred yds from the Mecca. Remember like it was yesterday - that top floor cloaks - amazed to see people with their Adidas bags etc changing to t's or vests and in to the Highland Room - low ceiling / claymores and shields and the music - a real eye opener. Blues & Soul has a lot to answer for. Mr Godin was right. Hooked - went up and asked Tony for a record - can't remember what but always remember his response - not dismissive or sarky but a firm 'don't play that anymore, played out'. Not an expression I'd heard before. Later he approached me after completing one of his set's and asked 'Where are you from mate' Leicester, we get a few up from there, Yes there's Blakey - do you know him. No but I soon did - buying his Earl Jackson ABC demo. Became a regular from then and Tony lent me a couple of sounds to take back to Leicester to DJ with. An Ollie Jackson and more remarkably in 1972 - Triumphs - I'm coming to your rescue - Okeh - purple stocker - absolutely massive foot to the floor acrobats nirvana. Can you imagine that now. I took it back a couple of weeks later. Got to know the Blackpool main man - apologies Ian + Gilly / Tash / Wendy Lofthouse / Colin etc. Saturday afternoon sessions with the London crowd round at Levine's. Cannot believe its been nearly 49yrs. RIP Steve Frost 4 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Ezzie Brown Posted June 28, 2020 Share Posted June 28, 2020 another early pioneer leaves us............heard his sets around the torch days at various venues and a big name in all conversations about djs around those times. r. i .p x Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
dthedrug Posted June 28, 2020 Share Posted June 28, 2020 (edited) Hi All - It is my opinion that Tony was the very best DJ on the scene, The records played by him were Northern Soul to my ears, Tony was genuine & honest with his play selection, as such so was Tony as a Soul Brother, he loved our music and to watch the dance floor come to life, I send peace & love to all Brothers & Sisters who enjoyed Tony at the TORCH & MECCA, However at this sad time It's his nearest & dearest SHEILA & all relatives & friends who loved Tony the man, we will always remember him. So on behalf of those who travelled North in 72 - 75 from North Herts who will feel as I do full of sadness, especially my mate Mick Smith who was a very close friend of Tony, there are tales and story's to be told, but not now it's not the right time, but from us all Tony LOVE & PEACE...REST IN PEACE SOUL BROTHER #1 . A BIG RESPECT TO YOU. FROM ME D the DRUG. DAVE KIL. Edited June 28, 2020 by dthedrug to add missing part of my comprehension? 3 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Tomangoes Posted June 28, 2020 Share Posted June 28, 2020 Well Dthedrug...I totally understand this is a time for grieving for someone special who has passed, but I'm sure I'm one of many who did not know TJ personally but would love to hear the stories of his escapades in the world of northern soul right at the beginning. You cant really get much more prestige as a dj than being at the Mecca and torch leading the way. I was fortunate to listen to Martin Ellis around 78 reminiscing about his experiences of the 'heydays' and hung on every word. When your ready, let's have the memories. Respect Ed 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Mike Posted June 29, 2020 Share Posted June 29, 2020 have split off the posts that are more about the mecca fashions etc to a new topic here as felt better suited just so aware mike 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Vadnochka Posted June 29, 2020 Share Posted June 29, 2020 I know what you mean - learnt my lesson the hard way - Shetland wool 9g roll collar to the Junction - never sweated and itched as much to this day - It depended how good a footballer you were whether you had an Adidas bag back then. I had one, played in the 1970/71 FA Youth Cup & don't forget it was a Mecca ballroom - collar & tie ( saw numerous punters being sent over the road past the car wash to rent a tie from the cafe - did it myself ) Remember that relatively low ceiling and high numbers relative to size created a sweating heaving mass at times particularly when Tony dropped on George Carrow or the Fuller Bros and the place went loopy - Mystic arm waving to Bob Relf - to me as a 18yr old 6th former studying LOL for my A's I always arrived mohair suited but the serious dancers were of course better prepared, obviously not all Adi bagged but the fact the Highland room had it's own separate cloaks from the home of the divs downstairs enabled changes to be made but not allowed downstairs. Hairs on the back of your neck just thinking about what new sound TB was going to play next. 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Blackpoolsoul Posted July 1, 2020 Share Posted July 1, 2020 (edited) Blackpool is a sad place this week after such a loss, he was such a nice man and a Top Top DJ RIP Sir Edited July 1, 2020 by Blackpoolsoul 2 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
MrT Posted November 8, 2020 Share Posted November 8, 2020 On 27/06/2020 at 21:03, Mr Fred said: Very sad News, Tony was a legend and truly inspirational. R.I.P. Fred Ward. Hi , is Mr Fred ( fred ward ) the brother of Rob Ward and a friend of Ian Novashelski ( Nova) ? Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
MrT Posted November 8, 2020 Share Posted November 8, 2020 Hi , just joined this site , i have just been remembering the 70s and early 80s when i lived in Huddersfield , im 66 now and have fond if sketchy memories of the northern soul boys in the town. I worked with "NOVA" ( IAN NOVASHELSKI) he was a friend of Rob Ward and his brother Fred , just wondered if anyone knows if these guys are still knocking about. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
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