WC JUNE 16.
I went to watch two 60s legends at the Shanklin Theatre on Monday night – Frank Ifield, the first Brit to have three consecutive number one hits, and Keith Potger, an original member of the Seekers, who later went on to form the New Seekers. He has just come off a Seekers 50th anniversary British tour. Keith was a great gentleman to meet and interview. For Frank, just being on stage again is such a pure delight. He almost died a few years ago with pneumonia and his lungs collapsed. He made a recovery but was told he would never sing again. Old videos were shown on stage at Shanklin as Frank recalled his story, aided by other members of the company who sang the songs. It was so emotional in the second half when he revealed the story of his illness and the subsequent shock when he was told he would never sing again. Amazingly, he remembered all the details of his only previous Island performance, back in 1979. All will be revealed on a forthcoming John Hannam Meets interview with Frank.
I went to Warner’s Bembridge Coast on Saturday night to interview one of my closest showbiz friends – TOM O’CONNOR. We first met at the Ponda Rosa, Ashey, in 1980 and have been friends ever since. As ever, Tom delighted his audience without a single rude joke or four letter word in his hour long set. He has now become the darling of the cruise set and has 32 lined up for next year. The Americans also love him and so do the Australians.