Thanks to Paul for this reminder. Ed
Legendary 1980’s Isle of Wight popsters to reunite for one last show back on their old stomping ground in Ventnor.
Having played their last show at London’s Astoria Theatre in December 1988, Bobby I Can Fly unexpectedly appeared on Island stages once more last year to raise money for local charities.
Last chance to say goodbye
Originally planned as a one-off, their return show at Quay Arts last April sold out almost immediately and saw fans happily reunited from all over the globe. The six Island musicians enjoyed the experience so much that they performed two further fund-raising events later that summer.
This Saturday (9th May) fans will have one final opportunity to see the band play their unique raw, brass-driven mix of faux jazz, new wave and classic pop when they return to their old home base of Ventnor.
Close ties to Ventnor
The band’s strong ties to Ventnor go back to their formation thirty years ago when they struck up an arrangement with the Royal Hotel to use the recently closed Julisa’s Nightclub as their permanent rehearsal rooms, in exchange the band agreed to play regular shows at the Royal Tavern, also owned by the hotel.
Word of these intimate shows soon spread and before long each appearance saw the small bar packed to bursting with crowds spilling out onto the pavements outside.
Founding member David Baker says:
“Although the band were situated all over the Island, the hundreds of rehearsals and many, many great shows at the Tavern meant that Ventnor became the band’s spiritual home. We all felt that no reunion would be complete without one final gig back where it all began.”
Book now
The Royal Tavern is sadly no longer there, but the band feel they have found a suitable replacement in the Ventnor Towers, and early sales of tickets for the show on the 9th May prove that this wonderful and unique band remain as popular as ever.
Tickets are £10 from More – The Letting Centre, 4 Carisbrooke Road, Newport PO30 1BL, 01983 526763
The Ventnor Towers are kindly offering reduced rates for rooms (book on 01983 852277).
