THE UK CABARET CLUBLAND PAGE
Clubland people have always looked after their own and the recent tragic and premature death of Yorkshire singer and entertainer Dave Hill brought out the best in the northern clubland fraternity yet again. The Compere for a show, which was staged at Rowland Road club in Leeds, was Tony Wayne. Singing star Tony retired from performing some years ago, but the late lamented Dave Hill, who died aged just 51, was one of Tony’s pupils at his vocal technique school, so there was a great bond between them. Tony writes:
I have been retired from the stage for a few years now, but when I was invited to appear as Compere, I said that I would like to a big part of the evening. Being Dave Hill’s mentor figure for over thirty years, I would not have missed it for the world. The sound and technical guru for the evening was Steve Page and he was just as professional as ever.
Dave Hill was a great singer with a big heart and an equally big voice. He was always one of the first to help others, so it seemed right to make this happen, along with another show staged at nearby Ossett Central Club. UK Cabaret online manager Martin Brown was also involved in the concerts, as well as singer Scott Richards.
On the big night in Leeds, the professionalism of the acts shone through. The balance of the show and the camaraderie between the acts was quite astounding. It was like a show from the great Clubland nights of the past. Dolly Parton tribute singer Beebi Dell appeared, as did fellow singers Katie Hudson and Sadie. Other acts featured included singers Paul Stewart. Scott Richards and comedy vocal act Johnnie Martell. Saxophonist Tony Lee performed his new Ska tribute show and even joined me for my version of the Billy Joel’s Just the Way You Are.
At an earlier show staged at Ossett Central club, arranged by club official Karen Wharton and Harry & Ashley of Ricky Graham Leisure, a similarly high sum of money was raised towards his funeral costs. This show featured guitar duo Secret Agents, comedian Big G and singers Sonya and Charlie Grace. The duo ZTV also appeared in Ossett, with both members of the act John Mycroft and his wife Karen being involved heavily with the production of UK Cabaret when it first launched.
Since the show in Leeds, I have been asked if I want to make a few appearances to sing for Clubland people again, but I had to reluctantly say no, but it was a lovely evening and it is as if I had never been away.
