Top bands and DJs are to put on a benefit gig for Wanderers singer Katy Gould as she recovers from brain surgery.

Katy underwent a life-saving operation after collapsing at a gig in Birmingham.   Now, as she convalesces, the 32 year-old singer and her guitarist husband Pagan have been cheered by news that their many friends on the rock’n’roll scene are to stage a marathon gig in their honour.

Colin Paul, The Jive Romeros, The Firebirds, The Tonemasters and The DJs are to play at Saddlers R’n’R Club in Walsall on Sunday 22nd June.   The show will run from 5pm to midnight.   DJs will be Mick The Mike, Simply Vinyl and Jukebox Johnny, with compere Mr Rusty.

"We have had so much support over the last few weeks, we just can't get over it," said Pagan.   "We never knew we had so many friends on the rockin' scene.   They have been great."

Surgery

Katy was rushed to Heartlands Hospital where doctors diagnosed a brain haemorrhage.   She was transferred to the Queen Elizaberth Hospital in a critical condition.   But Pagan says the first operation was unsuccessful.

"They sent a tiny camera up into her veins to the back of her neck. There was a bent blood vessel they couldn't get around, so they had to abandon the op.

"For the second operation they shaved some of her hair behind her right ear and made their way into the back of the neck.   What they had to do was clip the blood vessels that had grown and stop them from bleeding again.   This, the doctors have said, has been a success and has gone very well.

"I am very pleased to report that they said her hearing and eyesight should get better and we hope it will not interfere with her singing.   It will take time but she will get there."

From her hospital bed Katy has sent a message to Planet Jive asking readers not to worry about her.   "I'll be back," she promised.

Friends

Pagan & Katy's rock'n'roll wedding

Katy's illness has come as the Wanderers prepare for the release of a new album, Bang Bang, on Foottapping Records which they made with Darrel Higham.   The husband and wife duo from Wolverhampton are also making waves with their innovative double bill show touring alongside Bristol trio, The Tonemasters.

Pagan and Katy met in 1999 on stage at a club in Bloxwich and wed in July 2006 - just weeks after being caught in a car crash which forced their band off the road.   In true rockin' style they went straight from their wedding to a gig by fellow band the Swing Commanders and then jumped on a coach with their wedding guests and their two children to travel to Worcester Rock'n'Roll Club where they partied into the night with pals from The Tonemasters.

The benefit gig for The Wanderers takes place on Sunday 22nd June at Saddlers R’n’R Club, Bescot Stadium, Bescot Crescent, Walsall, West Midlands WS1 4SA.   Doors open 5pm.   Admission £5.   Entry limited to 350.   And Pagan & Katy have a CD launch party on Saturday 10th May at Shepwell Green Social Club, Bilston Lane, Willenhall, West Midlands WV13 2QF .   More info from Mr Rusty on 07981 482098.

The news comes just days after Stray Cats drummer Slim Jim Phantom pulled the plug on his UK gigs.   A serious eye complaint has forced Stan Perkins to cancel his 11 gigs this summer.   They included a headline slot at the Americana weekender and alldayers in Chelmsford and Kettering at the end of July.

Tour organiser Richard Miles said: "My wife Val and I went to Jackson, Tennessee in January to finalise the tour at which point all was well.   But since then, after further problems with his eyes, his consultant advised him that long flights maybe a problem.   So on this advice, Stan and his wife have decided not to take any chances with the tour.

"It was exceptionally hard to have to tell everybody that he would not be here, after all the effort that the promoters of clubs had put in.   I personally, along with great help from Greggi G, have spent some nine months devoting all our efforts into this tour including producing CDs etc.   So you can imagine how very disappointed we are that this tour will no longer take place.   We are also several thousand pounds out of pocket and it would seem with very little chance of recouping any of this money.   While Val and I are personal friends of Stan and Connie and wish him all the luck in the world and hope that his problems can be resolved, I do feel that things could have been handled a lot better from America."

Greggi G, who had been due to back Perkins, said: "It's a real shame, an illness for anyone is terrible.   Personally I'm gutted.   The band and myself were really looking forward to touring with the son of a true legend."

KoolKatz front man Steve Ridgway said: "I would like to express my deepest sympathy to Stan Perkins.   I was due to perform on the bill with him at Chelmsford.   Carl Perkins is my idol it was to be a great privilege being on the same line-up as his son, who in his own right is a fantastic artist.   (I saw him at Chippenham a few years ago.)   The KoolKatz wish Stan a speedy recovery."

Perkins' condition is said to be threatening his vision.   He has had a number of injections into the eyes, but no-one is sure of the exact cause of the complaint.

Preston R'n'R Club is on the move after its home of 11 years was earmarked for demolition.

Organisers Bob Bower and Gaz thought they could continue with gigs at the Deafway Centre until the end of the year, but were given just a few weeks notice that its closure had been brought forward to the end of May.   The Crown Top Kings gig on the 10th brought the curtain down on more than a decade of rock'n'roll at the Deafway.

After a frantic search for a venue which could accommodate all their outstanding 2008 dates without cancellation or rearrangement, Bob and Gaz have found somewhere which they say has a better stage and a much bigger dance floor.   It's the New Central Club, St Mary's Street North, Preston PR1 5LG.   Manchester trio Strabler play the opening night on June 14th.   Admission will be £5.

Bob & Gaz said: "We would like to thank everyone who has supported us over the last 11 and a half years and hope you all enjoy the new venue because without you great people there wouldn't be a rockin' scene in Preston.".   More info from Bob on 01253 852594.

Jivers in Surrey are being warned not to sprinkle talcum powder onto the dance floor - or face being sued.

	Colin Shaul

"We have had no accidents but close shaves," says LeRoc Surrey boss Colin Shaul.   "One or two people have caused some problems in some dance halls this year and we have to establish along with other clubs whether it's deliberate action or the innocence of dancers.   Dancers generally have gone mad with talc, not realising only a little goes a long way and hence the problems.   Talc causes people to slip over and can result in severe head injuries.   Any injuries resulting from the use of talc could result in the person depositing the talc being sued by injured parties.   Neither LeRoc or the halls/venue accept any liability from the use of talc and related falls.   Therefore it's your responsibility to help control this.   So please keep an extra eye on the floor surfaces."

The launch of a new jive club in East London by Oo-Bop-Sh'Bam was cancelled at the last minute.

The May 12th gig at Club Q7, 329 Romford Road, Forest Gate E7 9HA was pulled after newspapers and magazines listed it for the wrong date.   A new date will be announced soon.   The band's Alan Savage said: "This is a great newly refurbished club which has a great dance floor and lighting system.   We hope to be playing here on a regular basis."

A swing dance night in Surrey is to close after two and a half years.

The Chicken Shack will host its last night in Redhill on May 16th.   Organisers Steve & Caron Mason said: "We are sad that it has come to this as Chicken Shack was the first dance that we ran, with the first one taking place in November 2005.   Having relocated from Regent House, Horley in December 2006 we thought that it would regenerate the club.   But there are now so many new dance clubs and only so many dancers to go to them, the choice is endless.   We can no longer run on a monthly basis and so have decided to close the club.   The last night will be May 16th and we plan to give it a good send off.   We may look later at running on a three or four-monthly basis, but for now it is time to put the chickens to bed."   Venue is Perrywood Sports & Social Club, Honeycrock Lane, Salfords, Redhill RH1 5JP.   Steve & Caron's other ventures, including Nosey Joe's and the SE London Lindy Hop Club, are continuing.

Rock'n'roll is returning to Enfield.

DJ Chris 'Crazy Legs' Bullock is launching a monthly record hop at Holtwhites Club from Monday 26th May.   Live band nights were held at the venue from March 2006 to January 2007 following the 2004 closure of the Townhouse Nightclub.   Holtwhites Sports & Social Club is on Holtwhites Hill, Enfield EN2 0RN.   Doors open 8pm.   Admission £2.50   More info on 01406 423432.

Chuck Berry is set for his second UK appearance this year.

The 81-year-old veteran rocker is to headline the Camp Bestival event at Lulworth Castle, Dorset on July 18th.   "We are extremely proud to present a true legend to headline our main stage," said a spokesman.   "Chuck practically created rock and roll."

At Easter Berry played for one hour at London's 100 Club in a £140-a-head gig organised by promoter Jim Driver for his regulars.   Reviews were mixed.   "On any weekend you could probably find a hundred pub bands turning out more proficient and dynamic covers of You Never Can Tell and Rock & Roll Music than Berry managed," said Carol Clark of The Independent.

Andrew Perry of the Daily Telegraph was more charitable.   "Berry plainly still had his chops.   When someone requested Reelin' and Rockin', he declared that he would do it, as long as three women joined him on either side on stage.   The stage filled.   He quickly worked his way across to the two most glamorous and delivered some of the hottest guitar riffing you'll ever hear...   In those exhilarating moments, 140 quid felt like a bargain."

Jim Driver told Planet Jive: "Chuck was great.   I'm hoping to bring over Jerry Lee Lewis and/or Little Richard next."

A double booking mix-up has forced the Jive Aces to put back their Summertime Swing spectacular by a week.

The afternoon jump jive party will now take place on Sunday 3rd August at Saint Hill Manor near East Grinstead, West Sussex.   Lead Singer Ian Clarkson said: "It was unfortunate but the venue is so beautiful and intrinsic to the atmosphere of the day that it was better to move the date."   Also on the bill are Kenny Ball, Craig Douglas and Crazy Jay; DJ is Terry Elliott.   'Queen of Vegas' Keely Smith will attend as 'guest of honour'.   Tickets are £13 in advance from 01342 300075 or £15 on the day.   The price includes a barbecue.   Doors open 3pm.

There's a new rock'n'roll club in Chesterfield.

Gigs are running monthly at the Troughlee Club.   Organiser Andy Barker said: "There used to be a big r'n'r night at the Winding Wheel two years ago and people have been asking when it's going to come back.   We used an upstairs room at a pub, but the popularity has meant we need a bigger venue."   Spinning the wax is Winding Wheel veteran DJ Moggie Dooley, still rockin' at 67.   Forthcoming bands include the Memphis Riders (May 17th), Red Hot Rockers (June 27th) and Some Like It Hot (July 12th).   The Troughlee Club is at 12 Troughbrook Road, Hollingwood, Chesterfield, Derbyshire S43 2JP   More info at www.myspace.com/chesterfieldrocknrollclub

Crazy Jay's lead guitarist is quitting her band, The Partytimers.

Conrad di Ianni is leaving to join The Roosters.   "It's amicable, but very sad news," said Crazy Jay.   "We've been through a lot over the years and had some fantastic times."   The Partytimers are seeking a new lead guitarist.

		Newsbytes
		• Ex-Moonshiners drummer Nina Pink has got together with Alan and Graham from the Rockin' Crusaders to form a new trio, All Shook Up. • There's a new free Sunday night record hop in Bradford.   Venue is the Bowling Hall Hotel, Hall Lane BD4 7DF • Robert and Claire Austin have revived their Friday night club Daddy-O's in North London after a gap of 20 months. • Memphis Belle's R'n'R Club has quit its Bisley venue in Surrey after just two gigs in a row over licensing restrictions. Gigs are moving to West Farnborough Social Club. • Hersham Comrades Club in Surrey had to close its doors after a capacity crowd of 250 turned up to see The Kingcats. Things Do Go Wrong is a new book telling the story of Eddie Cochran and Gene Vincent's ill-fated 1960 UK tour. Author is Spencer Leigh. • Alan Dickinson from Huddersfield won our Juke Joint Jump CD competition. • Eastbourne Council has announced a ten-week summer season of Saturday night rock'n'roll gigs at the resort's bandstand. • Debbie Curtis continues her Sunday Night Swing Sessions in London's West End in 2008 at the Old Vic on May 25th and the Palladium on August 3rd.

Ocean's 7 have split after four years.

The popular jump jive band is calling it a day after singer James Ocean decided he wanted to spend more time with his family.   Drummer Paul Richardson said: "It's a shame, but James wants a break.   It's just down to the pressures of life.   Who knows?   We may rise from the ashes again one day."   Outstanding bookings are being fulfilled by Paul's other band, Laura B & The Moonlighters.

Nifty 50s, the North West's biggest r'n'r club, has blasted rumours that it is folding.

"We are not closing and these rumours are completely false," says webmaster Mike Cookson.   Mike says club organiser Noelene Doran is "quite upset at the rumours and fears that people will stay away because they are not in full possession of the facts".

The Wildkats Northwest are serving up a treat for lovers of vintage vinyl.

Their new album Rock You Sinners is to be released both on CD and vinyl.   "I love vinyl and lots of people tell me they do too," says the band's Bob Mayson.   He's planning to get 300 numbered LPs pressed but wants to know how much interest there will be from collectors.   (Bob can be contacted on rmayson@blueyonder.co.uk)   The new album features Hot Dog, Honky Tonk Man, Grandma Rockin', Tore Up, She's So Pretty, Rockin' Rollin' Stone, Honey Hush, Ghostriders In The Sky, Say Mamma, Starry Eyes, Dig The Boogie, Ain't Got No Heart, Wildkat, That's All Right Mamma and Pipeline with the added sound of Bob's 1955 Buick.

A rock promoter's r'n'r experiment in Lincolnshire has paid off.

200 people piled into Bourne Corn Exchange on March 29th to see The Jets and Big Black Cadillac.   Delighted promoter Simon Bell said: "Many many thanks to the people who came out and danced the night away."   The next gig will be on August 2nd with Porky's Hot Rockin' and Henry & The Bleeders.   Tickets and info on 07828 032241.

London's Ace Café is taking more rockin' fun to the seaside.

Margate Meltdown is a brand new event for Whitsun Bank Holiday (May 26th), featuring live music from The Unknowns and Carlos & The Bandidos, plus DJ Bll Guntrip.

Bill Fadden & The Silvertone Flyers are getting together for a one-off reunion gig this summer, five years after they split.

The band plays Dingwalls in North London on August 31st as part of a special night showcasing the artists of Western Star Records.   Also on the bill are the Bonneville Barons and Jack Rabbit Slim.   Western Star is to reissue both the Silvertone Flyers' previous albums as a double CD called The Silvertone Anthology.   It will include previously unreleased bonus tracks.   Other upcoming releases include CDs from the Bonneville Barons and Rudy La Crioux & The All-Stars.   A new solo album for Matchbox front man Graham Fenton is also in production.

Band nights are being scrubbed at a new club in Bedfordshire.

The Biggles R'n'R Venue will instead hold monthly record hops until numbers build.   "We have a core of around 30 people who attended the first three events," says organiser Strollin' Steve Ashdown.   "But we needed at least 70 to make the project viable.   We will be continuing with record hops through the summer on the last Thursday of the month including jive and stroll dance teacher Kaz Pritchett, in the hope that the venue picks up by the Autumn."   More info on 01763 241301.


Darts bass vocalist Den Hegarty has made a surprise return to the recording studio.

He has laid down two tracks for Western Star Records.   One song was written specially for him by label boss Alan Wilson and Jack Rabbit Slim front man Bob Butfoy.

Wilson said: "I loved Darts as a teenager and particularly Big Den Hegarty and his wild-man antics.   Then after he left Darts he released a solo single called Voodoo Voodoo, which was great.   I was recording with Bob one day back in 2006 when we started reminiscing about the 70s revival stuff.   We were fantasising about writing a song in Den's style."

The pair wrote the song Crazy Witchcraft and were so pleased with it, that they sent a demo to Den.   To their amazement, he agreed to record it.   It will be released later this year on a compilation album.

Marco di Maggio and The Sundowners are putting together a UK summer tour.

Lee Gocher of The Sundowners said: "Over the last couple of years Marco and I have talked about doing a tour together.   It finally looks like it will happen this year. We are in the process of booking dates for a tour to begin in July 2008.   Exact dates will depend on the take up from the clubs, and to a degree dates are flexible."

"Marco will be bringing his own band consisting of Matt Giannetti (double bass) and Marco Barsanti (drums).   The Sundowners will do the support on all the dates, and also supply all equipment for the live shows."

The tour will coincide with a second CD release from the Di Maggio Connection, following on from The Wildest Game.   The Sundowners are to release an album recorded in Berlin.   For more information about the tour e-mail lee.gocher@btinternet.com

An 18-year-old is following in his father's footsteps as a rockin' DJ.

Bill Guntrip's son James is getting gigs in his own right, as well as helping his dad on the decks.   Bill said: "He is proving very popular with the new generation of the rockin' crowd.   He 's mainly been playing guest spots with me but has recently played the Hillbilly Hop on his own and has just secured himself a gig in the bar at the Rave.   I think he may be a name to watch for the future."

A major weekender is switching venue.

After two years Rockabilly Boogie is moving from Pontins Prestatyn to Breans Sands, Somerset.   Organiser John O'Malley from Holiday Rock said: "The 2008 venue is still a Pontins, so our customers can expect much the same type of venue, just in a different place.   The decision for this was a tough one as the campsite and actual ballroom at the Prestatyn site are great and we have had some fantastic events there with our line-ups being second to none.

"Our only problem was that we didn't quite hit the numbers we wanted, which was surprising as so many people commented on the high quality of the bands we were booking.   We could only put it down to location, hence the move to Brean.   We don't want to lose the event as we personally have a great time each year with it.   We have had some opposition from other promoters trying to stop us in our tracks but we are never ones to go down without a fight.   We are here to offer a no-nonsense rockabilly weekend packed with good bands, good DJs and heaps of atmosphere (no place for posers!)"

On the bill for August 29th - September 1st 2008 are Colbert Hamilton, Loosenoose, Lloyd Tripp, Rusti Steel, The Keytones, Slingshots, Caravans, Revolutionaires, Cordwood Draggers, Fret Tones, Borderlines and Mojo Kings.   More info at www.holidayrockltd.co.uk

Wild Wolfie Smith is taking over the annual Isle of Wight rock'n'roll all-dayer.

The island's top DJ says he has no plans to change the winning formula which has made the event a regular sell-out.   "Last year all the places sold out without advertising at all and next year's gig looks like it is going the same way," said Wolfie.

"This will be the first time that I pesonally have organised it.   It has been run the last 15 years by Eddie and Julia and they have kindly handed it over to me to organise.   I would like to say that the format will not change.   They have done a fantastic job over the 15 years they have organised it and I am not about to change things."

Just 90 tickets are left for the November 8th gig at the Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park in Bembridge with Lee Gocher & The Sundowners, the Rhythm Aces, Part Xchange, The Heartbeats, Bernie Woods & The Forest Fires and The Kingcats.   Johnny Fox & The Invaders also play a warm-up gig on November 7th.   More info on 01983 563786 or for a booking form.

Cliff Richard is to headline the first Rock To The Past 1950s revival weekend at Chatsworth House, Derbyshire in July.

Cliff will be accompanied by Bill Wyman and the Rhythm Kings with star guests performing hits from the 50s.   Organiser is Francis Rockliff, the producer of the Fly To The Past weekends in Oxfordshire.   Meanwhile, Fly To The Past is moving from Blenheim Palace to Cornbury this summer.

A Broadway musical telling the story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons has hit the West End stage.

Jersey Boys has already won awards in New York.   It tells the rags-to-rock-to-riches tale of four blue-collar kids working their way from the streets of Newark to the heights of stardom.   More info at www.jerseyboyslondon.com

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