Legendary musician and songwriter Mike d’Abo will join former Archway School pupils and West End stars on stage to raise money for a Stroud charity in honour of a beloved former music teacher, writes Freddie Whittaker.
The “Handbags & Gladrags” and “Build Me Up Buttercup” composer, who lives locally near Stroud, will perform at ‘Stars in the Park’ on Sunday 30 August at the Minchinhampton headquarters of Longfield Hospice.
The event, which will raise money for Longfield, is being held in remembrance of Ros Tyler, a former Archway music teacher, who died in 2024, having been cared for by Longfield in her final days.
She had directed some formidable musical theatre shows at Archway during the 1990s and 2000s, propelling several pupils to stardom, and instilling a lifelong love of music and theatrical performance in hundreds of others.
The event, which will take place on the afternoon of Sunday 30 August, is the second to be organised by former pupils and members of the Tyler family, and promises to be a fun family day out, offering a wide variety of attractions that will appeal to music lovers of all ages.
Last year, they raised more than £12,000 for Longfield, and are hoping that, with a good turnout this year, they can beat last year’s total.
Mike d’Abo first came to fame in 1966, with the 60s chart topping band Manfred Mann, singing hits such as ‘The Mighty Quinn,’ ‘Ha Ha Said The Clown’, ‘Fox On The Run’ & ‘Semi Detached Suburban’.
One of Mike’s sons, Bruno, was at school with Ros’s son Paul Tyler, who has asked Mike to repeat last year’s triumphant appearance.
At last year’s event, performing alongside stars of the West End and former pupils, Mike sang ‘King Herod’s Song’ – a song he’d first recorded on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s & Tim Rice’s original recording of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ in 1970.
He also performed his own composition ‘Handbags & Gladrags’, which he’d recorded with Chris Farlowe in 1967, then with Rod Stewart in 1969 – a song which Stereophonics brought back into the charts in 2000.
d’Abo said he was “bowled over” by the talent on show at last year’s event.
“The thing that really stood out for me was how gifted everyone was who’d come through Ros Tyler’s training and care. There was so much talent there. She certainly must have inspired a lot of people who passed through her hands; there’s no doubt about that”.
“I’ve always admired any school that focusses on the drama and music side of things, especially when they produce an annual musical show. I know how much work is involved in casting and rehearsing, but of course it’s all worthwhile when one sees how much the parents enjoy seeing their young ones performing.”
d’Abo moved to Gloucestershire in the 1980s, initially living in Coln St Aldwyns, before moving to Stroud, Whitminster and then King’s Stanley, before moving to Rodborough around 10 years ago. From 1987 to 2000, Mike was a featured broadcaster with Severn Sound, BBC Radio Gloucestershire and BBC Radio Bristol.
“I love this area. And in fact, every now and then, it dawns on me how really special it is. When you’ve been to London, as I have to do a fair amount, you get caught up in all the high rise buildings and concrete there.
“It’s such a relief when one returns and finally see Minchinhampton Common opening up before your eyes. You feel like you’re a free spirit again, and can take a deep breath and say ‘Here I am – I’m back!’ There’s something wild and unspoilt about it, and it’ll always be that way.”
As well as continuing to perform with his own band, Mike has just released his new album ‘THE JOURNEY …SO FAR’ on CHARLY Records, which is available on all streaming platforms. He’ll undertake his final Manfreds tour next year, and continues to be creative with his song writing.
“Stars in the Park” will take place on Sunday 30 August from 1pm to 9pm at Longfield Community Hospice in Minchinhampton. It will feature a musical theatre proms, bouncy castle, magician, facepainting, food and drink vendors and more.
Tickets are priced at £7 for adults with donations encouraged for children, and all proceeds go to Longfield.
d’Abo’s new album The Journey…So Far is out now on Charly Records.
