TWO Burton legends will collide on Friday (April 13) for a landmark event in the town’s music history.
The second instalment of the newly reborn version of the fabled 76 Club will celebrate the life of the Burton Mail’s own legend, former deputy editor, musician and champion of the town’s music scene, Andy Parker, with a night of rock ‘n’ roll abandon at Burton Town Hall.
All profits from the gig will be donated to Mesothelioma UK and the Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team (DAST) in memory of Mr Parker, who died on New Year’s Eve from cancer caused by exposure to asbestos almost 40 years ago.
Topping the bill at next Friday’s gig are 70s classic rockers Martin Turner’s Wishbone Ash, while the main support comes from Mr Parker’s son, Harry Parker, something which would have been a source of pride for the veteran Mail man according to his widow, Sally.
She said: “It’s wonderful that this gig is being held as a memorial to Andy and hopefully it will make a lot of money for the two charities.
“Andy went to see Wishbone Ash at Leicester de Montfort Hall in the early 1970s and if you’d told him that in 40 years’ time his son would be supporting them, he would have been so proud.”
Steve Bowring, one of the organisers along with Mr Parker’s friend, Keith Large, said he hoped the event would build on the modest success of last week’s inaugural New 76 Club event at Shobnall Sports and Social Club.
He said: “We had around 70 or 80 people turn up, which is not bad for the opening night, but there was a really good atmosphere.
“The Town Hall is a lovely venue with a great feel to it but you really need to fill it, that’s why we want as many people as possible to come along, especially with all the profits going to charity.”
Also appearing on the bill are Burton-based acts Silicone Taxis, Neillian Spedding, Bruno Gallone and Dizzy Missile.
Tickets are £15 or £7 for 14 to 18-year-olds (14 to 16-year-olds must be accompanied by an adult) and are available by calling Steve Bowring on 07976 914315, Keith Large on 07971 972704, Lynn Fearn on 01283 229901 or Sally Parker on 01283 702476.
Tickets are also available from the Brickmaker’s Arms, in Main Street, Newton Solney, or the Wetmore Whistle, in Wetmore Road, Burton. More information is available online at www.76club.org
