Christopher Riley: From Johnny Breeze to the Early Days of Jethro Tull
Christopher Riley, better known by his stage name Johnny Breeze, was a central figure in Blackpool’s vibrant music scene during the 1960s and 1970s. Performing as frontman of Johnny Breeze and the Atlantics, he became part of a thriving live circuit that saw major national and international acts appear in the town’s ballrooms and clubs. During this era, Riley and his band shared stages with some of the most influential artists of the time, including The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd and Eric Clapton. Blackpool was then an important stop on the UK touring map, and musicians like Riley found themselves...
Jimmy Tarbuck
Jimmy Tarbuck, often affectionately called ‘Tarby’, is a well-known figure with a long history in British entertainment. A prominent supporter of the Conservative Party, he was particularly aligned with Margaret Thatcher and even baked a cake to celebrate her 60th birthday in 1985. A keen golfer, Tarbuck made a name for himself as a regular participant in televised pro-celebrity golf matches. He is also a passionate supporter of Liverpool Football Club. Tarbuck’s career began as a holiday camp entertainer, and he made his Blackpool debut in 1963, performing a week of cabaret at the Sands Club, Marton. He returned in... Read more »
Harry Feeney & The Rockin’ Vickers
The Rockin’ Vickers were a vibrant English rock and roll band from Blackpool, active from 1963 to 1968. Known for their high-energy live performances and unique stage presence, they are perhaps most famous for launching the career of Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister, later of Motörhead fame, who was then known as Ian Willis. The band went through a few name changes before settling on “The Rockin’ Vickers” to increase their chances of securing gigs and a record contract. Originally called Rev Black and the Rockin’ Vicars, they shortened the name to the Rockin’ Vicars before finally adopting the “Rockin’ Vickers” moniker.... Read more »
Cliff Richard at the ABC Theatre
Cliff Richard and The Shadows are an iconic British musical duo who not only dominated the charts but also became prominent figures in the world of cinema during the 1960s. Together, they appeared in six feature films, establishing a genre known as the “Cliff Richard musical,” which helped cement Richard’s status as a major cultural figure in Britain. Their film career began with Serious Charge in 1959, but it was their later films such as The Young Ones, Summer Holiday, Wonderful Life, and Finders Keepers that truly captured the public’s imagination. These films were incredibly popular, and their blend of... Read more »