Singer-songwriter Johnny Coppin will celebrate 50 years of writing and performing heartfelt songs at a special concert in Cheltenham, the town where his acclaimed solo career took off in 1976.
On stage with Coppin will be the award-winning, multi-instrumentalist, Phil Beer from the acoustic act Show of Hands, who played in the Johnny Coppin Band from 1977 to 1990.
Joining him will be Geoff March and Dik Cadbury, who played in the prominent folk-rock group Decameron that was set up by Coppin and Dave Bell in 1968 and performed until 1976. Also on stage will be Paul Burgess, Mick Candler, and Duncan Kingston, who play regularly with Coppin and feature in his renowned Christmas concerts.
The programme will stretch back to Coppin’s first solo song – Never Lost for Love – and include beautifully crafted melodies from 11 albums including The Winding Stair, Borderland, The Gloucestershire Collection, Edge of Day, and Johnny’s widely-praised collection River of Dreams.
Johnny Coppin writes from the soul of Gloucestershire with moving songs of love and loss that reflect his feeling for its landscape and deep understanding of human vulnerability. Coppin is an experienced performer who shifts seamlessly from piano to guitar. His resonant, tenor voice will echo around the hall and – in signature style – Johnny will weave the programme together with characteristic good humour and great stories of gigs over the years. His audience will love it as they have grown with him as songwriter, radio presenter, mentor, and teacher.
Looking forward to the concert, Johnny Coppin said: “I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the 50th anniversary than to sing songs that are close to my heart and reunite with so many of the musician friends I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the years.”
Come and celebrate Johnny Coppin’s phenomenal contribution to the music, poetry, and songs of Gloucestershire and his work in many other areas of these islands. Join Johnny Coppin and friends for this major event in Gloucestershire’s musical calendar.
The concert takes place at The Bacon Theatre, Cheltenham GL51 6EP, 7.30pm (Doors 6.45pm). Tickets cost £27. Box Office: 01242 258002 or online at www.bacontheatre.co.uk
