Friars Music Club had its second take last night (Thursday), with a stunning performance from former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett.
Hard on the heels of last week’s sell out concert by The Specials at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, the Hackett concert was a much more sedate affair and probably more suited for the town’s magnificent £40million theatre.
More than a thousand Aylesbury Genesis fans were indulged by Hackett’s accomplished and mesmerising guitar playing amidst brief performances from special guests like Nic Kershaw, John Wetton (Roxy Music/Asia fame) Steve Rothery (Marillion) and Jakko Jakszyk (Level 42)
Friars Club, for those of a certain age, was a major music venue which put Aylesbury on the map throughout the 1960s, 70s, and 80s and saw performances from some of rocks greatest names.
Stars like David Bowie, U2, The Police, Genesis, the Clash and many others rocked Aylesbury over three decades. But since the closure of Aylesbury’s Civic Centre in 2009 live music has taken a back seat at the Waterside. The last Friars gig was back in 2009 shortly after the theatre opened.
This has caused controversy as many have expressed disappointment that the management of the theatre, subsidised by Aylesbury Vale taxpayers by nearly £500,000 a year, has failed to embrace the people’s live music events.
Now with new momentum from Friars promoter and UN music ambassador David Stopps and son Joseph Friars is back with a bang.
Two class acts in less than a week has kickstarted a nostalgia boom for Aylesbury music fans and two more very local events are planned.
The Aylesbury premiere of Otway the Movie is in the Waterside Second Space on Sunday July 14, which will include two screenings with former town dustman turned showman John present to take your questions.
Also confirmed is a date with the area’s most successful home grown international band Marillion booked for November 9, with tickets on sale from June 1.