Dance the night away at city's last Golden Years gig

The last concert will be raising money for the civic charity, Rotary House, at the Ramada Hotel, Boundary Road, Norwich, on Saturday, October 23.

'We've had a ball. A lot of fun but the time has come to say farewell,' said the man who has put together all the concerts, former Zodiac Terry Wickham.

It was former Continental Harvey Platt – the man who gave us Zaks restaurant – who suggested the name Golden Years and ex-Toffs member Derek Moore who came up with the idea of a concert.

Then Terry Wickham helped to track down the members of the Norfolk bands in the 1950s and 60s and encouraged them to reform and organised the gigs.

'The first was a one-off revival gig at The Talk in 1996 and it just took off. We have had a fantastic time and the musicians have proved they are among the best and most generous around,' added Terry.

Dozens of bands reformed for the charity gigs, opening the door for many children to see their grandfathers proving they could still cut the mustard on stage.

In recent years the Golden Years has been a two-night rock 'n' roll festival at the UEA, with around a dozen bands playing.

'While no musicians have ever asked for a penny to take part it does cost more and more to put on the concerts and the whole idea was to raise money to help others,' said Terry.

'That's what the Golden Years is all about – putting something back into the community – but if we have to pay out so much to stage the concerts then it isn't worthwhile,' he added.

Playing again at the last gig will be:

Stewy McIntosh & The Offbeats.

Mervyn & The Starbeats.

Mister Buss

Throb.

'It's going to a great night and we would love to see all the regulars plus some new faces who want to have a good night out. Let's go out with a bang,' said Terry.

Tickets are on sale at the Evening News, Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich. Call 01603 772171 or click on www.en24.co.uk/shop. You can also call Terry Wickham on 01603 864460 or visit the PMT music shop, Anglia Square.

Don't miss my page next week when I'll be telling you the story of Micky Large, described as the best rock 'n' roll guitarist from Norwich of the late 1950s/early 60s, who disappeared from the scene. If you have any pictures of Micky in action I would love to see them.