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Blackpool Gazette 1st March 2007

Thursday, March 1st 2007
8:32 PM The Grand plan

Neil's Grand plan

IN CHARGE: Neil Thomson, who has been acting manager on seven occasions, with Ken Dodd at Blackpool Grand Theatre

The show will go on pledges Blackpool Grand Theatre acting general manager Neil Thomson.
"The Grand is not going to close – the show will go on – but there will be changes," says Neil, who has worked at the Grand for 26 years and admits he is used to stepping into the breach.
"This is actually the seventh time I've been acting manager and every time I have done the job the environment and the circumstances have been different."
This time was probably the biggest surprise – and the quickest move into the top spot.
He heard on a Friday that manager Paul Iles had cut short his originally- planned tenure of five years and
resigned after just two – and by Saturday Neil was in charge.
"Yes, it was a shock but the changeover period is always different and sometimes it's harder to pick up the reins than others," he says.
"You are left with a residue of programmes which you have to try to keep going or change. The programming gaps in the past have been large and small – this time it is quite small at the moment.
The theatre's enforced closure for several of the previously peak summer weeks for the latest phase in its renovation have helped ease things slightly – and visits by new musical Babewatch (August 3 to 14) and the revival of South Pacific (August 24 to September 2) have already been made public.
Neil has now added a September 12-29 season of Joe Longthorne with a full production show – and the first National Theatre visit to the venue since 1999, with the multi award-winning play The History Boys (October 15).
"It's exciting and it's putting The Grand – and Blackpool – back on the theatrical map," he says. "The National's is only a small tour and it will be here six weeks before going to the West End – and at a time when we would normally have a summer season show running."
So is that the end of long summer runs as we know them?
"We have diversified," he says. "South Pacific, Babewatch, Joe Longthorne are all in what was our summer season but it allows us to provide a rounder programme throughout the year.
"It may be the end of the traditional summer season run for The Grand but not necessarily for the town. There are so many theatre seats to fill in Blackpool that something has had to change with what is known as a summer season show.
"I've seen them gradually slip from 17 weeks to 10 so the summer season has already changed. The Opera House has switched to one or two nights on a rotating programme. We were the last theatre to hang onto the long run."
But Neil is optimistic about the future. "It's an exciting time for the resort. We have got to go forward. Blackpool is far from dead. I have a passion for the resort. I was born in Cleveleys in 1952. I've worked at The Grand for 26 years. Yes, Blackpool has changed but one of its better historical attibutes is that it can change.
"It is just unfortunate that in the past 10 years it has slowed down – but with the promenade and Houndshill developments it is changing again. All we can do is go forward and be part of the changes.
"The car park at West Street is greatly improved – the town centre is a lot, lot better than it was. The new Houndshill will increase the number of people in town. Blackpool is safer than it is perceived to be."
So would he fancy taking on the general manager's role permanently?
"I'm not sure. It would be a challenge. All I know is that the board of directors is not currently looking for anyone else but it is inthe public domain that the theatre is having an independent review.
"One of the ways forward will come from the outcome of that review. They will be looking at where the Grand sits in Blackpool and where it sits in the North West. And if we are viewed as a North West theatre, then how it will attract people into Blackpool will be important."
The Grand's immediate future
is secure – having been underwritten by Blackpool Council. "That carries us through to the end of the next pantomime which means in the short term our future is safeguarded. The council, like everyone at the theatre, wants to see The Grand prosper."
As for the future he would like to see more contemporary dance back in town as well as Northern Broadsides and the Royal Shakespeare Company – along with the more obviously commercial product.
"We need to appeal to a core audience – which I think has been ignored – but also to wider reach. But economically we can't afford to take gambles.
"Paul Iles had started to change the programme with that in mind – let's see how our series of major musicals goes. But it's important to have as wide a programme as possible. We can't keep relying on the same audience."
He's now hoping to re-open the Dress Circle Bar at lunchtimes – and possibly after shows.
"Matcham's Bar on the ground floor helped us enormously last year but again we need to look after our core audience.
"When we re-open after the refurbishment our aim will be to move forward. A casino would have had some effect but with another two or three thousand theatre seats who knows what effect?
"Now we will be looking at how to attract people from the Manchester one to come and see us in Blackpool

7th December - Hull Daily Mail

07.12.06

DAD STARTED ME ON THE ROAD TO FAME
(From the Hull Daily Mail)

Joe Longthorne today paid a moving tribute to his father - the man who set him on the road to stardom.
Fred Longthorne, who died on Sunday following an illness, nurtured his son's talent from a young age, taking him to various shows and clubs.

Joe today told the Mail how his father helped launch his career.

He said: "At the age of three I used to go out with my dad on his rag and bone cart collecting and we used to sing songs together as we travelled around Hull.

"When I started out in showbusiness he took me to the auditions and in the early days he was my manager.

"Those were very great days for me - just a simple life performing wherever I could.

"My mother, Teresa, was the backbone of our family and held us all together. I owe most of the wonderful things that happened to me throughout my life to my parents.

"Things just won't be the same without my dad, but I know he is now in a better place."

Mrs Longthorne, 81, said her son inherited his musical ability from his parents.

"Fred could make a piano talk and I was a singer, so he gets it from both of us," she said.

"Fred was in the Royal Navy in his younger days and he used to entertain people on the ships. Joe has his personality. He is like his father in almost every way."

Mr Longthorne created a small shrine to his son, with pictures and newspaper cuttings adorning the walls of his bungalow in Hessle Road, west Hull.

He also used to write to members of Joe's fan club and had been in contact with many of them for the past 30 years.

Mr Longthorne died aged 84 at Hull Royal Infirmary during the early hours of Sunday morning.

He was diagnosed with prostrate cancer four years ago, but his family said his first thought was always for Joe, who has been fighting leukaemia since 1988.

Last year the singer, the youngest of four children, underwent a life-saving transplant, but his father was too ill to visit him.

Joe's sister, Elizabeth Holiday, 56, said: "Joe was Dad's world. He was always the favourite, but none of us ever got jealous because we all spoiled him.

"When Joe was in hospital in Manchester last year it broke Dad's heart he couldn't get to see him. He would always ask us every detail as soon as we walked through the door."

Mr Longthorne's funeral service will be held at St Charles Church in Jarratt Street, city centre, on Tuesday.

A recording of Joe singing The Impossible Dream, his father's favourite song, will be played.

14th July - Gazette

Shows go on at pier
LIVE entertainment is returning to Blackpool's North Pier Theatre – and it's coming this summer!
The Gazette – which has fought for the last four months to save the historic venue – today celebrates a landmark victory in the Save Our Shows campaign.
Six Piers Ltd – the company which runs the resort's three world famous boardwalks for multi-millionaire owner Trevor Hemmings – has announced a trio of different weekly shows will be staged from next month until the end of the Illuminations, with the promise of more to come.
Shock waves were sent through Blackpool in March when news broke the theatre was set to remain in darkness for the first summer in its 129-year history.
The resort was already reeling from the cancellation of a season-long show at the Grand Theatre, the closure of the Winter Gardens Pavilion and the lack of a major run in the Opera House.
Save Our Shows – launched in an effort to bring live entertainment back to the North Pier – received massive backing from theatregoers and accommodation providers throughout the resort and beyond.
"Subsequent to the Gazette's campaign we've had a number of producers approach us who were interested in bringing shows to the North Pier Theatre," said David Chapman, operations director for Six Piers, which took over the running of Blackpool's piers from Leisure Parcs earlier this year.
"While the timescales did not allow us to pursue all the proposals, I'm delighted to announce we do now have three very strong shows that we've contracted for this season."
The Grade II listed North Pier Theatre will now re-open from Tuesday August 1 with:
* Viva Las Vegas – celebrating the music and song of the legendary stars who performed on the Las Vegas strip during its golden years. Starring vocalist Tony Benedict, guest singers and the Kings of Swing Orchestra.
* Halfway To Paradise – The Billy Fury Story starring Colin Gold as Britain's sexiest Rock'n'Roll icon of the 60s.
* The Kings of Swing – Rat Pack Party – again starring Tony Benedict.
Mr Chapman added further shows were also in the pipeline.
"We're in negotiation with several other producers who may look towards bringing quality show productions into North Pier Theatre for one offs during the Illuminations period," he said.
But for the moment it is up to the public to show their support for the new productions.
"I await with interest the public's response and support for the shows on North Pier this summer," he said
Greg Francis, musical director and producer of the Kings Of Swing Rat Pack Party and Viva Las Vegas paid tribute to The Gazette's campaign.
He said: "I really hope from the interest The Gazette generated the people of Blackpool support us.
"The Kings Of Swing have built themselves an enviable reputation in theatres throughout the UK and Europe and we see Blackpool as their natural home.
"The Viva Las Vegas show is intended to specifically reflect Blackpool's aspirations to be the UK's new Las Vegas."
THE SHOWS
* Viva Las Vegas, which includes the music of British stars such as Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey, Engelbert Humperdinck and Matt Monro, as well as Americans such as Bobby Darin, Doris Day, Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra's Rat Pack, plays every Tuesday from August 1 to October 31. Tickets: adults £12.50, senior citizens £10.50 and children £5.50.
* Halfway To Paradise – The Billy Fury Story, features Stars In Their Eyes winner Colin Gold who is joined in the show by original members of Billy Fury's band – Fury's Tornados. It plays every Wednesday August 2 to November 1 (excluding September 13). Tickets: adults £12.95, senior citizens £10.95 and children £5.95.
* The Kings Of Swing - Rat Pack Party, features more than two hours of swing classics together with the popular Kings Of Swing Orchestra and four singers.
It plays every Thursday from August 3 to November 2. Tickets: £12.50, senior citizens £10.50, children £5.50.
For bookings and information call Blackpool Live on (01253) 292029 or go online at www.blackpoollive.com

14 July 2006

Article in Gazette 22nd May about Blackpool losing money on the shows. Well, they should get Joe for Summer Season at The Grand or Opera House as he nearly always breaks Box Office records

Blame it on no boogie!
BLACKPOOL only has itself to blame for the loss of its entertainment crown, one of the country's leading theatre producers claimed today.
Nick Thomas, managing director of the Qdos Entertainment Group, which dramatically pulled its summer season at Blackpool Grand Theatre, says the resort is perceived as "dead" within the entertainment industry.
His comments come after recent months have seen North Pier Theatre mothballed, Leisure Parcs close the Winter Gardens Pavilion, no full season show at the Opera House and Qdos' cancellation of The Grand's Cannon and Ball farce Big Bad Mouse.
And Mr Thomas pulled no punches in where he felt things had gone wrong.
He said: "As a summer season theatre town, Blackpool is perceived within the entertainment industry as dead.
"The bulk of Blackpool visitors are short-stay elderly people or young revellers on weekend binges. These groups do not a constitute a theatre audience."
Qdos cancelled Big Bad Mouse amid claims the resort's current economic climate could not sustain the run.
It came, he said, after a series of big loss-making productions.
He explained: "Last summer Boogie Nights 2 arrived in Blackpool having made almost £500,000 from its UK tour and lost £100,000 in the resort. Similarly we produced Jimmy Osmond, the Chuckle Brothers, Joe Pasquale and Simply Ballroom with Lionel Blair and Jane McDonald as proven box office attractions on tour. Cumulatively these shows lost £100,000 in Blackpool.
Mr Thomas added: "The core problem is not the lack of suitable shows, but the town itself and its inability to attract a theatregoing audience.
"If somehow that position were to change, then the shows would follow. The people and the shows are there to be seen in Las Vegas, Reno and Branson in America – but not in Blackpool."
"Experienced promoters, such as Qdos, have suffered repeated losses in the town and are now reluctant to take the financial risk of bringing their shows in."
Mr Thomas also added that Blackpool had failed to keep up with changes in holiday trends.
"Blackpool's business was built on working class annual two-week holidays – they don't exist any more," he said. "The much mooted casino re-birth of Blackpool has not yet happened – even the Pleasure Beach visitor numbers have eroded. The town centre feels tatty and at night it's threatening."
However, Blackpool's entertainment industry has hit back, with one top boss claiming Mr Thomas was forgetting his roots after becoming a big hitter in London's West End.
Grand Theatre manager Paul Iles said: "We had a great arrangement with Nick Thomas who built his showbiz empire at venues such as the Grand Theatre and Blackpool's piers.
"He was a seaside enthusiast having produced shows at Scarborough, Rhyl, Great Yarmouth and at venues such as Pontin's.
"But there is something about London's West End that makes even a Haven Holiday camper dislike their alma mater!
"I'm pleased with our line up this summer and it's good to work with local producers like Tony Jo and Duggie Chapman and, who knows, they may be the visionary producers capable of bringing Las Vegas to Blackpool."
A Blackpool Council spokeswoman said: "Entertainment is not dead in Blackpool. Audience lifestyles may be changing and Blackpool offers a great choice of entertainment for a wide audience including families.
"Little Britain, the Arctic Monkeys and most recently Richard Ashcroft all played to full houses so Blackpool still attracts a theatre going audience for the right type of shows.
"Blackpool is proud to be the home of the National Theatre of Variety and as we embark upon this period of exciting regeneration we need to all work together to give visitors what they want."

22 May 2006

Summer Season at The Grand announced

Laughs all the way in Grand's summer shuffle
BLACKPOOL Grand Theatre has a smile back on its face with a brand new but very traditional summer variety show.
The recently-appointed National Theatre of Variety has lined up a comedy-based evening show to run for 12 weeks from August 4 to October 28 in conjunction with an already announced afternoon production.
The new show replaces the cancelled run of Cannon and Ball in the famous farce Big Bad Mouse which producers
Q-Dos pulled five weeks ago claiming they were no longer confident about the resort's economy.
Variety at Night will star favourite Blackpool funnymen Frank Carson and Johnnie Casson together with compere and show producer Tony Jo.
They will head a cast including leading Lancashire entertainer and Grand pantomime favourite Steve Royle, Blackpool-based international illusionist Guy Barrett and emerging vocalist Leanne Fury.
They will be joined by the Starlette Dancers and a special feature will be the introduction of a guest vocalist or comedian each week.
Variety at Night will be produced and directed by ex-Grumbleweed Tony Jo.
Afternoons at the Grand will feature Duggie Chapman's Two O'Clock Show, which will run from Tuesday August 8 to Saturday October 28.
A traditional "seaside special", the afternoon show will star Hi-De-Hi's Paul Shane and a host of variety artistes, including Chucklevision's The Patton Brothers and Irish singer Martin Brannigan, with five supporting acts, all new faces to the Blackpool summer scene.
Grand Theatre manager Paul Iles said: "Following the demise of the previous producers who promised to stage the farce Big Bad Mouse, it is good news that we resume Variety.
"We will now have stylish productions produced by two colourful impresarios who are committed to the Grand Theatre and are ambitious for the future of live entertainment in Blackpool.
Tony Jo and Duggie Chapman are optimistic larger-than-life comedian-producers, a species no longer to be found in abundance.
"Like the Grand Theatre, they will use their vast experience of Blackpool to present the best Variety artistes in the business."
Tony Jo added: "I am delighted to present a top-class summer season show in a top-class theatre which is the hub of entertainment in wonderful Blackpool. It is exciting to work alongside Duggie Chapman and complement his Two O'clock Show with a rip-roaring Variety Night.
"I love the Grand Theatre and Blackpool, and cannot wait for the opportunity to prove that the best summer seaside shows are in the greatest summer theatre in the country."
Duggie Chapman said: "I am delighted to have the opportunity of presenting a full summer season at Britain's most beautiful theatre, Matcham's Masterpiece the Grand. I have devised the Two O'Clock Show especially for matinee audiences. This will complement the evening show presented by Tony Jo, ensuring that the National Theatre of Variety at the Grand is the best locale for the whole family."
Comedy will continue at the Grand on Sundays throughout the season.
Ricky Tomlinson will star in A Right Royle Do! on four consecutive Sundays from August 13 to September 3.
This will be an all-new show, following his Grand debut in April.
On Sundays through October 1 to 29 Ken Dodd will return to present his Happiness Show.
robin.duke@blackpoolgazette.co.uk
02 May 2006

This letterSwas in the Hull Daily Mail from Michelle Backhouse of Cleveleys

Am writing in response to the feature on Joe Longthorne (Mail, April 18).

I was privileged and honoured to be among the sell-out crowd at the two comeback shows Joe performed in front of an emotionally charged audience over the Easter weekend.

Joe certainly didn't disappoint and it was just as though he had never been away from the stage.

Joe sang many ballads and did his famous impressions in front of a packed audience. Joe definitely had Blackpool rocking both nights.

It was a mixture of tears and laughter along the way as we all heard Joe tell stories of when he was in hospital and gasped in amazement at how he had managed to retain his superb singing voice.

Joe Longthorne is a superstar and a hero to his dedicated followers and I for one feel lucky to know him and will continue to support Joe as he goes from strength to strength.

Joe is back and Hull should be proud to have such a home-grown talent.

I know Blackpool feels very lucky to have him appearing during the summer.

Keep on fighting Joe - we all need you.

Michelle, Thornton, Clevelys,

That's a lovely letter Michelle

*****************************************

14th April

Joe's plea to save theatre
JOE Longthorne today threw his weight behind The Gazette's bid to save entertainment on Blackpool's North Pier.
The popular performer – who makes his long-awaited comeback this weekend after lifesaving surgery – is a North Pier legend after playing to packed houses at the famous venue for more than 20 years.
He, like many stars, is alarmed by the theatre's closure after entertainment bosses at Leisure Parcs pulled the plug on the annual summer season, citing falling attendances.
Joe, who plays two eagerly-awaited shows at Blackpool Grand Theatre on Sunday and Monday, said: "You can't lose somewhere like the North Pier Theatre.
"It's the most famous pier in the country.
"The theatre needs looking at and smartening up but it's a fantastic venue. I hope its owners sell it to someone who will bring it back to its former glory."
Some of Joe's own finest
moments were spent on the pier, he said.
He became the first summer season act to receive a spontaneous standing ovation and one year he even camped out for a while in his dressing room.
Save Our Shows was launched after Leisure Parcs vowed to listen to its customers and is welcoming ideas on the theatre's future.
And Joe's backing comes as he revealed to The Gazette how he feared he would never sing again.
He has not sung in public for almost a year after undergoing a bone marrow transplant and recovering from the pneumonia he contracted while convalescing.
"There were times when I really thought my singing days were over," he said.
"Doctors told me when I got pneumonia that it would be a year before I got my lungs back to full force, but I've been
determined to get straight for the wonderful fans who have stuck with me through thick and thin."
While being excited about his Easter weekend shows, Joe admits he is very nervous about them.
"Obviously I'm looking forward to being back on stage after so long away, but I'll know within the first minute how I feel.
"If I get tired then I'll have to slow down. As long as I take it easy I'll be all right.
"I've been singing Pavarotti around the house to build myself up. Put it this way – if it's good it will be very good."
And Joe is so confident about his recovery he has signed up for a summer season in the Paradise Room at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
He will be headlining Fridays and Saturdays from July 14 to November 4.
"It's the best cabaret room in Blackpool," he said. "I love Blackpool from start to finish but that room really feels like Las Vegas."
* Grand Theatre tickets are priced from £15 to £25 and are available from (01253) 290190. Paradise Room tickets are £22.50, £20 and £17.50 and are available from Tuesday April 18 by calling 0870 444 5588 (10 per cent discount for children and OAPS).
robin.duke@blackpoolgazette.co.uk

14 April 2006

13th April - The

News Have a cracking Easter
FROM the return of Joe to the triumph of Dan – there is plenty to celebrate in Blackpool this Easter.
The resort's attractions are hoping for a bumper Bank Holiday weekend with visitors expected to flock in for the traditional start of the season.
The Pleasure Beach's Dan Whiston stars in this year's Hot Ice Show, fresh from winning ITV's Dancing on Ice with showbiz partner Gaynor Faye.
He joined her for another rollercoaster ride – this time on the park's famous Grand National.
A Pleasure Beach spokesman said: "We're expecting a cracking Easter.
"The 70th spectacular performance of Hot Ice opened a week before Easter this year and has already performed to packed audiences and received rave reviews.
"The park opened fully last Friday and early signs suggest it will be a bumper weekend full of fun and thrills."
Meanwhile, fans of crooner Joe Longthorne are set to give a huge welcome to the singer when he returns to the stage at the Grand Theatre after overcoming serious illness.
At one stage it was feared he might never be well enough to perform again.
But after a successful bone marrow transplant last June as part of his treatment for leukaemia, and despite a bout of pneumonia, the entertainer is back on his feet and ready to wow audiences once more.
He is appearing at The Grand on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday.
And they might have had the plug pulled on their summer show, but comedy duo Cannon and Ball are in Blackpool for Easter, headlining for one night at The Grand on Saturday as part of Funny Guys.
The show is a family affair with Bobby Ball's two sons appearing as double-act Harper, while Barricade's Craig and Jonathon are another fresh new talent.
Other highlights of the Easter weekend include an appearance by X Factor favourite Chico at the Flamingo Club on Dickson Road. The venue also plays host to 80s stars Bananarama, now a two-piece outfit, on Easter Monday.
For people wanting to get out into the Lancashire countryside, the Dalesrail service is relaunching for 2006 on Easter Sunday when it will travel from Blackpool to Preston, Blackburn and Clitheroe, before heading north along the picturesque Settle to Carlisle Line. Full details are available online at www.dalesrail.com.

Highlights for holidays
Good Friday:
THE CHUCKLE BROTHERS IN DR WHAT AND THE RETURN OF THE GARLICS - Another edition of fun and sketches from Paul and Barry Chuckle. Grand Theatre, Church Street, Blackpool. 2pm and 5pm.
CHICO – He might have cancelled his Opera House show last night but he's live and in person tonight. Flamingo Club, Dickson Road, Blackpool.
TOM HINGLEY – The former lead vocalist with Inspiral Carpets performs a one off solo show. Club Above, West Coast Rock Cafe, Abingdon Street, Blackpool.

Easter
Saturday
FUNNY GUYS – Cannon and Ball, Harper, Barricade and Little Albert team their talents in another edition of the comedy sketch and music show. Grand Theatre, Church Street, Blackpool, 2.30pm and 7pm.
ROY CHUBBY BROWN – Putting the blue into Brown with some adults' only Easter fun. Opera House, Church Street, Blackpool, 7.30pm.

Easter
Sunday
JOE LONGTHORNE. Return of the voice. The popular performer's comeback after illness. Grand Theatre, Church Street, Blackpool. And Monday, 7.30pm.
BANANARAMA. These days trimmed to a two piece - but still churning out the hits. Flamingo Club, Dickson Road, Blackpool.
13 April 2006

8th April - The Gazette

Save Our Shows
TELL us what you want!

The Gazette today launches its campaign to save Blackpool's much-loved North Pier Theatre.
There has been massive outcry since last month's controversial decision by owners Leisure Parcs to lower the curtain on the 129-year-old venue.
Bosses, who blame dwindling audiences, said there will be no summer season.
Last night The Gazette revealed how there was a glimmer a hope after Leisure Parcs threw the famous theatre a lifeline.
Bosses said they were prepared to listen to the views of customers to come up with ideas on how the theatre could bring back the crowds.
And that is where you come in.
Through Save Our Shows, The Gazette aims to pull together popular opinion on what local people and visitors want.
A cabaret venue is one idea mooted, while family-themed variety, one-off big name shows, a live music venue and even a heritage centre are creating interest.
To launch the campaign we've asked some of the resort's leading names what they think.
And they were unanimous in their wish to save the resorts last remaining pier theatre.
Joe Longthorne, who did a 17-week near sell-out run in 1987 and 1989, then again in 1997 and 1998, welcomed The Gazette's campaign to keep the theatre open.
He said: "It is a great live music venue, one of my very favourites.
"It should do end of pier family variety shows."
But he urged owners Leisure Parcs to cover at least one side of the pier to shelter audiences.
Basil Newby, boss of Funny Girls, believes the crowds will come back if the right acts are booked.
He said: "It would be devastating to lose the theatre for good. More modern shows are the key to the future, not the same old same old.
"If they put the right things on people will come.
"The Pleasure Beach and Funny Girls are proof audiences are still out there. We put on interesting, innovative shows, and attract the new generation of audiences.
"A lot of exciting stuff is going on in Blackpool, we are bringing Las Vegas to the north and big names have to be part of that. I'm sure Lily Savage would pack the place out. I think they have not had the right names on the bill."
Children's TV legend Keith Harris too believes the theatre has a future if it can attract a younger audience.
He said: "Young people don't have a culture of going to the theatre. Times have changed and venues have to change too.
"Cabaret style nights with big names could be the way forward where people can eat and drink while being entertained."
Comedian Frank Carson has also added his weight to the campaign.
He said: "It is a great theatre and it would be dreadful to lose it.
"Unfortunately it has an ageing audience and the theatre is at the end of the pier. Elderly people don't want to walk all that way, especially in bad weather.
"They should bring the train back which took people down to the theatre. That would make it more accessible to its core audience.
"The end of the day, the right act will attract people in any weather."
Les Dawson's widow, Tracy Dawson, wants to see a museum to Blackpool's past.
She said: "It would be wonderful to do something to celebrate Blackpool's heritage. Too often we rush to change everything and bring it up to date. Perhaps we should honour the past instead."
She also wants to see more family oriented entertainment at the end of the pier.
Comic Johnnie Casson added: "It's a premiere venue for Blackpool it's vital it's saved.
"Blackpool is still ahead of the rest of the seaside resorts in this country and lots of top quality acts would love to perform there. It's vital it is saved.
"Losing the tram was a big blow and the audience is ageing so they need to look at bringing in younger people. I think to do that they need big names."

Blackpool's tourist boss Jane Seddon called on pier bosses to consider different uses for the venue.
She said: "Alternative uses have to be looked at. A theatre-style museum celebrating the heritage of the Blackpool could be one new use.
"If it is not working now, then doing more of the same is not going to be the answer."
Pat Mancini who owns the Queens Hotel, South Promenade, which has a successful theatre bar, said: "Variety is the key.
"It needs something for the children to attract the family audience. People want something upbeat, some singing, dancing, comedy and good old fun.
"There are plenty of great acts locally who would be delighted to work in such a wonderful, historic venue. If they get the billing right, the audiences will come back."
Philip Brown, vice chairman of Blackpool Premier Holiday Association, wants family entertainment and better access.
He said: "We must keep it alive. A family friendly show at the end of the pier would bring in the tourists of all ages.
"Making it cabaret style where families can eat and drink and get up and down from their seats during the show would be a hit.
"They should also bring back the train for the elderly would can't walk all the way down to the end."
Blackpool South MP Gordon Marsden is in favour of the theatre being used for any suitable purpose as long as it is able to fund itself.
He said: "Whatever its purpose the most important thing is for it to be a viable venture. Lottery funding is all well and good but is not a long-term solution.
"The building is a large building to fill and I would welcome any purpose as long as it was appropriate and viable."

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08 April 2006

Grand Theatre 7th April

COMEDY couple Cannon and Ball today revealed they only learnt their summer season at Blackpool Grand Theatre had been axed when they were told it was in The Gazette.
The pair were due to star in a 12-week run of the farce Big Bad Mouse at The Grand Theatre until producers Qdos pulled the show citing Blackpool's "current economic climate".
"I hadn't got a clue," admitted Bobby who will be back at The Grand on Easter Saturday with the return of the duo's Funny Guys touring show.
"It's beyond me. But we are just the performers who are caught in the middle of something."
In a shock move, Cannon and Ball were yesterday named as headliners of The Opera House shows every Wednesday alongside The Grumbleweeds from July 26 to October 25.
Bobby admitted being "gutted" by the cancellation – partly because of looking forward to the challenge of performing in a stage play and partly because of a 12-week season next door to his St Annes home.
"We'll be up and down the country again five nights a week which means a lot of travelling which we didn't think we would be having to do," said Bobby. "But then as long as we are working we can grin and bear it.
"One thing I wanted making clear was that me and Tommy haven't fallen out with The Grand. We are Blackpool lads – well, I am – and we love the place.
"Hopefully Big Bad Mouse might be going on tour in the spring so I hope we will be in it then because I was really looking forward to it."
In the meantime though the new Funny Guys tour – which also features double acts Harper and Barricade together with Little Albert – is pulling in the crowds.
"It's new and improved since we launched it last year," said Bobby. "I don't know where people get the idea that variety is dead – we are doing so well with this that we are thinking of putting another version out with another cast at the same time as us next year. It's giving new younger acts a chance."
As for this year's closure of North Pier – a theatre where Cannon and Ball once broke box office records – Bobby said: "It's not good for Blackpool."
But he added that while the days of the end of then pier shows may be numbered, he felt the future was back in the hands of cabaret.
"What Blackpool needs is a good old-fashioned proper cabaret club – like Batley Variety used to be," he said. "Things go in circles and what was once thought of as old-fashioned in now back in favour."
So would he consider opening one himself?
"You never know – just watch this space."
robin.duke@blackpoolgazette.co.uk
07 April 2006

Blackpool Gazette 7th April, 2006 - North Pier

JOHN SHEEHYLifeline at Pier
BLACKPOOL'S North Pier Theatre could be thrown a lifeline.
Owners Leisure Parcs today issued a challenge to customers by asking them to: "Tell us what you want."
The 129-year-old theatre was mothballed after continued poor attendance figures led its owners to halt any plans for a summer season.
Leisure Parcs' marketing
director Jon Sheehy said: "Last year was quite a challenging one and it would be quite easy to hide behind that. During the winter a lot of hard decisions had to be made."
He said the reaction to the much-loved theatre's current closure had resulted in "some very reasoned arguments and some very ill-informed opinions."
He added: "But it is the feedback from customers we listen to – if they want something else then that's what they will get."
Mr Sheehy's comments came after he unveiled Leisure Parcs' summer season to the resort's hoteliers at the company's traditional coffee morning.
After yesterday's event at the Tower Ballroom he remarked about North Pier: "It's not going to be a theatre venue this year", but would not be drawn on its long-term future.
Asked why one suggested use of the venue as a heritage centre would attract more people to the end of the pier than a variety show, he said: "There is an entirely different aspect to North Pier from what it is by day to what it is by night."
As exclusively revealed in The Gazette yesterday, comic duo Cannon and Ball, Coronation Street's Bradley Walsh, Roy "Chubby" Brown and the Ben Elton musical Tonight's The Night are among this summer's highlights at the Opera House.
But the North Pier will remain empty while bosses ponder its future.
One early thought is that cabaret could provide a future for the venue.
Mr Sheehy said customer feedback had so far revealed cabaret style entertainment was what people wanted.
With just a week to go before the Easter tourism boost, Mr Sheehy revealed the new look Blackpool Tower line-up – with the more mainstream attractions of Viscount Oliver's Legendary Four Tops lined up for every Sunday evening and Abba The Show every Thursday added to the traditional sequence dance evenings.
He added: "All the feedback we've been getting is that people like cabaret style entertainment where they can get up, walk around, have a drink. That's why Legends on Central Pier is so successful."
About the changes at the Opera House – which sees Bradley Walsh, Roy Chubby Brown and Cannon & Ball all headlining one night a week and a July visit of the musical Tonight's The Night – Mr Sheehy added: "We've seen a change in entertainment over the past few years.
"We're now bringing in about 50 major one night shows each year to the Opera House and Empress Ballroom – each one attracting about 3,000 people.
"It's the changing face of entertainment, it's leading edge.
"It might not be someone doing a four-week run, but it's bringing in a new breed of customer to Blackpool.
"We are building a programme around one night visits – and that means people using the town's bars, taxis and restaurants as well as accommodation."
Mr Sheehy stressed entertainment would remain an important part of the Leisure Parcs package.
"We are making a big investment and providing a greater variety of entertainment," he said.
"If we all have a great Easter then the rest of the year will follow."
robin.duke@blackpoolgazette.co.uk
07 April 2006

ARTICLE IN BLACKPOOL GAZETTE 31st MARCH

Summer season show pulled
BLACKPOOL suffered a major hammer blow today as the Grand Theatre announced its top summer show has been axed.
Producers of Big Bad Mouse blamed their shock decision on the town's economy.
The popular farce, due to star comic duo Cannon and Ball, had been scheduled to run from August 2 until October 28.
Ian Wilson, marketing director of Big Bad Mouse producers Qdos Entertainment, said: "With hindsight it was thought by the producers Big Bad Mouse was unsuitable for a three month run in the current Blackpool economic climate."
Blackpool's head of tourism Jane Seddon hit back, accusing Qdos of "copping out" by blaming the resort for the decision.
But the leader of Blackpool's hotel association warned the resort "could end up like Morecambe" if it were to lose more shows in this fashion.
It comes just weeks after the news Blackpool's famous North Pier Theatre is to close.
A defiant Mrs Seddon said: "The Grand Theatre summer shows have always done very well.
"Perhaps it is the type of show they were proposing this year that is the problem.
"For Qdos to blame the resort is a cop out.
"The fact is that advanced bookings for various hotels haven't shown a dramatic decline on last year's figures. At this stage it is far too early to tell what the season will be like.
"We're just about to launch our £800,000 TV advertising campaign and that really is going to put Blackpool at the forefront of people's minds when it comes to making a holiday choice."
Colin Asplin, president of the Blackpool Hotel and Guest House Association, said: "This move will not do us any favours, especially with the recent news about North Pier. Surely they will have to find something else to replace it. People don't just come to Blackpool to see shows, but we do have to put on entertainment and attractions. But we will end up like Morecambe if we are not careful, with no entertainment at all."
The Grand – recently appointed National Theatre of Variety – said it was already looking for a replacement show.
Manager Paul Iles said: "Qdos have had a long-standing and excellent relationship with the Grand Theatre, staging our previous 19 summer seasons. We regret they have decided not to stage a weekly show at Blackpool in 2006. We are getting on with finding an alternative. The Duggie Chapman music halls and daytime shows are unaffected."
31 March 2006
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More Leisure / Entertainment News

This page will be updated as and when news is release

Fans told not to worry as Joe back in hospital
STAR entertainer Joe Longthorne is back in hospital.
The singer was admitted to Blackpool Victoria Hospital suffering from the effects of dehydration.
But his army of fans were told not to worry he had suffered a relapse in his long-running battle against cancer.
Close friend Tony Jo said today: "He is in the Macmillan Unit at Blackpool Victoria Hospital but, fortunately, there is no problem with his bone marrow transplant.
"It is just a case of getting some fluids back into Joe's body to combat the dehydration he is suffering and he is hoping to be out of there by the weekend."
"As far as he is concerned, Joe is still on target to launch his comeback on Easter Saturday with the first of two concerts at Blackpool Grand Theatre.
"I think it's safe to say he is bored - after all he has not been on stage for 16 months and he is missing it.
"I'm sure the two Blackpool shows on Easter Saturday and Easter Monday will be electric for Joe and his fans alike."
The singer had hoped to make a brief appearance at a charity show held in his honour last month in the Pleasure Beach Paradise Room, but his doctors advised him against turning up on health grounds.
Tony Jo compered the night, which marked the official closure of the Joe Longthorne Cancer Appeal charity which raised a massive £100,000 in just a year.
Joe has battled leukaemia for more than a decade and underwent a successful bone marrow transplant last year.
* Tickets are now on sale for the 2006 tour which, after Blackpool on April 16 and 17, takes in venues in Motherwell, Glasgow, Southend, Lewisham, Sheffield, Bradford, Whitley Bay, Darlington, Billingham, Telford, Worthing, Swansea and Purfleet.
Joe will be ending up in his birthplace of Hull for a July 5 concert at the New Theatre.
craig.fleming@blackpoolgazette.co.uk
06 January 2006

30th NovemberNews Future's looking bright again for brave Joe
Joe Longthorne, the leukaemia-battling singer is well on the way to recovery and watching with amusement as his once straight blonde hair grows back grey and curly.
And the 50-year-old star is already planning his comeback and has set himself the target of being back on stage by spring.
After being hospitalised for three months earlier this year following a bone-marrow transplant, Joe, who is originally from Hull but has adopted Blackpool as his home town, is regaining weight and getting stronger by the day.
Zeb White, Joe's tour manager, told his army of fans: "He is remarkably well now. All the skin tones have returned in the last few weeks and he no longer looks tired and drawn.
"His hair is continuing to grow, albeit a mixture of light and dark grey and for the first time it is curly."
Fans feared for the star when he suffered a serious bout of pneumonia following the bone-marrow operation at Manchester's Royal Infirmary in June.
He spent more than a month hooked up to machines to help him breathe before he pulled through and was well enough to return to the Fylde coast in September.
Since then he has had weekly check-ups at Blackpool Victoria Hospital where he has undergone further blood transfusions.
Speaking after Joe's first consultation with specialists on Friday, Mr White said: "Joe was very apprehensive and had great difficulty sleeping with the worry there might be some bad news. But his worries were quickly dispelled when the doctor said everything was on course and going to plan.
"The white blood count is now normal and the platelet count is just below normal but rising all the time."
His weight plummeted with the illness but having put on seven pounds in the last month, he is looking more like his old self.
Zeb added: "A very relieved Joe sends his thanks to everyone for all the gifts, flowers and letters of support over this last month, which have given him the strength to start planning his comeback tour, hopefully commencing in late spring."
Throughout his ordeal Joe has kept his loyal supporters up to date via messages on his website, www.joe-longthorne.com and through recorded messages on his phoneline.
The number to call is 09065 501 306. Calls are charged at £1 a minute.
rebecca.smith2@blackpoolgazette.co.uk
30 November 2005

You've been great, Joe tells loyal fans
SINGER Joe Longthorne has sent a heartfelt thanks to his loyal fans for giving him the strength to battle his life-threatening health problems.
In a message recorded on his update telephone line the Blackpool-based entertainer promised his legions of devoted followers that he would be back out performing for them very soon.
His voice croaky and weak as a result of having a tracheotomy tube in his throat, he told well wishers their prayers and support had done him the world of good.
He said: "I am a lot better. I have just got to get strong now.
"I was asleep for nearly a month on a support machine and it has slightly damaged the lungs, which is why my voice is a little bit weak, but it will come back.
"When they took the tracheotomy tube out of my throat they said it would be about two hours before I could speak but I was singing within two minutes."
Joe has just returned to his home in Bispham to recuperate after nearly three months in hospital.
He suffered a bout of pneumonia after undergoing a bone marrow transplant in June as part of his treatment for leukaemia.
He was kept in a high dependency unit for nearly two months and had the tracheotomy to help him breath.
He is optimistic that the transplant has been a success and praised the wonderful treatment he has received at Blackpool's Victoria Hospital and the Manchester Royal Infirmary.
Friends of the star, who was born in Hull but has made Blackpool his home, say he can't wait to return to the stage and thank his fans the best way he knows, by performing.
He finishes the message saying: "Thanks for calling. I appreciate it, I really do.
"Good Bless. I will be back on stage soon."
He also promised to keep recording new updates on his recovery.
The number to call is 09065 501 306.
Calls are charged at £1 a minute.
* A charity gala in aid of the Joe Longthorne Cancer Research Appeal will be held at the Paradise Room, Blackpool Pleasure Beach on Sunday December 18.
20 September 2005

10th September. Article in Blac kpool Gazette

Singer Joe heads back to the Vic
JOE Longthorne is back in Blackpool.

The popular performer has returned home after spending a nightmare 12 weeks in Manchester's Royal Infirmary.
Blackpool's favourite adopted son has been desperately ill since the middle of June when he underwent a life-saving bone marrow transplant.
Joe suffered a setback when he developed pneumonia and had to undergo a tracheoctomy operation.
But by last week he had recovered enough to request a move to Blackpool Victoria Hospital where he had previously been treated for cancer.
He was transferred to the hospital's MacMillan Unit yesterday and is expected to be there for up to four weeks before convalescing at home.
Today – via The Gazette – Joe thanked his fans, friends and family for their loyalty and support over the last three months but pleaded with his legion of supporters not to telephone the hospital for condition checks.
"The staff at Blackpool Vic are wonderful, but they are very, very busy so I am asking everyone to keep in touch via my website," Joe said.
"I would also like to thank them for all their cards and gifts, but again if they could communicate through my fan club it would take the pressure off the hospital."
Fellow entertainer Tony Jo – who produced Joe's summer season show at the Opera House last year, and was due to appear alongside him in the Pleasure Beach Paradise Room this year – said everyone was "over the moon" about the singer's progress.
"He's a born fighter and everyone involved with him is delighted that he is back home," he said.
"Joe asked last week and the doctors gave the green light yesterday. Joe knows he is in excellent hands at the Vic and he has made many friends there."
And the fighting Joe has already pledged to make his singing comeback in Blackpool next year.
"Obviously after what he has been through he will have to have additional treatment to get his vocal chords back to full strength," said Tony Jo.
"Doctors say he shouldn't work for a year but Joe is looking at being back by Easter – if not before."
So confident is the singer that – even before a date has been confirmed – he has already auctioned two tickets for his first comeback show at the Paradise Room next year.
"We raised £1,100 for the Roy Castle Cancer Appeal which was amazing," he said.
10 September 2005

15th August - Article from Hull Daily

(From Hull daily Mail)

Hull singer Joe Longthorne is trying to communicate with friends and family after regaining consciousness in hospital.

The star, who suffered a life-threatening bout of pneumonia, had been unconscious for a fortnight.

SINGER Joe Longthorne has regained consciousness after his life-threatening bout of pneumonia.

The Hull-born entertainer had been unconscious for a fortnight after undergoing a bone marrow transplant to treat his leukaemia.

However, he is now showing good signs of recovery and is trying to communicate with family and friends.

Joe has been sedated and has been on a ventilator at Manchester Royal Infirmary after contracting pneumonia at the end of July.

It developed after the singer caught a chest infection a month after his operation, which was performed on June 29.

His partner Jamie Moran and business manager Zeb White have kept a bedside vigil as the star has fought the illness in the hospital's intensive care unit.

Joe, 50, who has battled cancer for 18 years, has a tracheotomy tube in his windpipe, which enables him to breathes, and so he is unable to talk.

But he has been trying to speak and friends and family say they can understand him by lip- reading.

The star has also been using an alphabet chart which he points to, spelling out words.

Mr White said he had even become well enough to ring his mum, Theresa, 80, who lives with Joe's dad, Fred, 83, off Hessle Road, west Hull.

He said: "He can't talk yet. We're having to lip read, but we put Jamie's mobile to his ear and phoned his mum Theresa so he could hear her talking.

"He has been groggy but is now fully conscious.

"He has been sitting up in the, looking well."

Joe's sister Ann, who lives in Hull, visited the entertainer yesterday, on her birthday.

She said: "It's the best birthday present I could have ever wished for, seeing my brother fully conscious again."

Mr White said the singer has managed to communicate that he now wants to do a charity show for the hospital.

He said everyone connected to the singer was now "cautiously optimistic" that he will not suffer any more health setbacks.

It is still expected to be several weeks before the singer is well enough to leave hospital

8th August

JOE BEGINS SLOW RECOVERY FROM PNEUMONIA

09:30 - 08 August 2005

Hull: Singer Joe Longthorne is opening his eyes and trying to smile as doctors wean him off his heavy sedation.

The star is making a slow but steady recovery as he battles pneumonia at Manchester Royal Infirmary.

Friend and tour manager Zeb White today said Joe, 50, was expected to be fully conscious for the first time in almost three weeks.

He said: "In the past few days, Joe has really come on. He's been opening his eyes and he tries to smile and grab your hand - although he cannot quite manage it yet.

"The doctors are hoping to have him off sedation by Wednesday.

"What's more, his white blood cell count is continuing to rise after his bone marrow transplant, which is good news."

Mr White has been visiting Joe, who was born in Hessle Road, west Hull, every night.

Joe's partner Jamie Moran has been keeping a vigil by his bedside.

Joe was struck down by pneumonia as he recuperated from the transplant, to treat his leukaemia.

Doctors gave him heavy sedation to make him unconscious and put him on a ventilator, so his body could concentrate on fighting the disease.

Mr White says Joe is starting to beat the pneumonia.

He said: "We've limited visitors to me and Jamie for now, because every time Joe wakes up he gets excited, which is not good for him."

Joe shot to fame aged 14 with his songs and impressions.

5th August Hull Daily Mail

list
HIS VOICE WON'T BE AFFECTED

09:30 - 05 August 2005

Singer Joe Longthorne has made a slight improvement from last week. Doctors have told friends his voice is unlikely to have been affected from being on a ventilator.

JOE Longthorne's singing voice is unlikely to have been affected despite two weeks on a ventilator, doctors have said.

The singer and impersonator remains unconscious in Manchester Royal Infirmary as he battles pneumonia after his bone marrow transplant.

But tour manager Zeb White today remained optimistic the performer was improving and said he should still be able to sing when he makes it through his ordeal.

Mr White said: "The doctors are very conscious of his singing voice.

"The breathing tube was between his vocal chords but it has now been inserted directly into his trachea under his voice box.

"His voice should not have been affected."

Mr White added that Joe, 50, had made a "slight improvement" from last week.

He said: "Joe's flesh tones are looking a lot brighter and he's on less heavy sedation. He's still critical but I was a lot happier after seeing him last night."

Mr White hopes doctors will try to bring Joe back to consciousness today. He's been sedated to help his body fight pneumonia.

Joe had the transplant to cure his leukaemia. The Hessle Road star has been fighting cancer since 1988.

j.boulton@hdmp.co.uk

Links

Joe Longthorne www.joelongthorne.com

Joe's fan site www.joelongthorne.org.uk

**************************************************************

4th August'Good progress' for Joe
BLACKPOOL entertainer Joe Longthorne is said to be making good progress in his desperate battle for life.
The singing star remains in a stable condition in Manchester's Royal Infirmary after catching pneumonia while recovering from a bone marrow transplant.
Joe underwent a tracheotomy yesterday afternoon, a procedure to assist his breathing.
His tour manager, Zeb White, said: "The good news is Joe is continuing to produce more healthy white blood cells each day and his blood count is rising as a result. He has overcome another hurdle on his long road to recovery and we hope it is not too long before the pneumonia shows signs of improving."
Joe's family have continued to remain at the singer's bedside. They are now hoping his blood count will reach a level where blood transfusions are no longer necessary.
04 August 2005

30/07/05

Thanks to Wendy for these lovely flowers which she had delivered to me this morning which cheered me up no end after all the aggro I have had this week from the opposition site. Also thanks to all the other true fans who have given me their support during the last few days .... Mary

Further article in today's Blackpool Gazette 30/07/05

Let's All Pray Joe Makes A Recovery
FANS were today lighting candles in churches and praying for singing sensation Joe Longthorne to help him pull through his fight against cancer.

The entertainer today remained in a critical condition in Manchester Royal Infirmary's intensive care unit after being struck down with an infection following a course of chemotherapy.
Hotelier Pat Mancini, who is a close friend of the star, went to the Sacred Heart church to offer her prayers and light a candle.
Pat, who runs the Queens Hotel on South Promenade, said she was "full of hope" the singer would pull through the setback. She urged everyone to hope and pray together that Joe would make a recovery.
The Hull-born entertainer, who has made Blackpool his home, was said to be heavily sedated but not in a coma, as national newspapers had reported yesterday.
Family and friends have remained at his bedside for several days.
The 50-year-old underwent a bone marrow transplant last month. His recovery was hampered after he caught a chest infection which then turned into pneumonia.
Joe's website has been inundated with messages from well wishers across the country, including words from fans in Hull and Blackpool, who have also sent cards and gifts to the singer.
Dean James from Manchester writes: "As well as being a great singer and entertainer, Joe, you are a real fighter."
Another reads: "We want a new album off you before the end of the year" and another message from Angela Dunstan says: "Here's hoping this is another fight that can be won. Get yourself better, Joe, and hopefully on the road again."
Joe has been battling non-Hodgkin's lymphoma since 1988. Last year he bowed out of public life while he underwent intensive treatment, performing a last concert at the Opera House to thank his fans for their support. Doctors then forced the singer to pull out of a planned summer season show at Blackpool's Paradise Rooms because of his weakening health.
Mrs Mancini added: "I am full of hope Joe can pull through."
n Register your support for Joe on www.joelongthorne.com
30 July 2005

Friday, July 29th 2005
4:34 PM Joe in Coma

(Taken from contactmusic.com)

English singer and entertainer JOE LONGTHORNE is in a coma after suffering from pneumonia during his long battle with cancer.

The PASSING STRANGERS hitmaker, 50, was admitted to the Manchester Royal Infirmary last month (JUN05) after undergoing a bone marrow transplant. He has been fighting non-Hodgkin's lymphoma since 1988.

After developing a chest infection 10 days ago, Longthorne has been fighting for his life and has been given 50/50 odds of surviving by doctors.

His business partner TERRY LODGE says, "This is the most difficult fight he has ever faced. With Joe you never say that he is near the end as he has been read the last rites twice already. I would never back against his courage."

The following article is in the Blackpool Gazette today

Prayers as Joe battles for life
BLACKPOOL favourite Joe Longthorne was today fighting for his life.
The ever-popular singing star is critically ill, having contracted pneumonia following a bone marrow transplant.
Family and friends are at his bedside in the intensive care unit of Manchester Royal Infirmary where he underwent life-saving treatment in his long battle with cancer.
Tour manager, Zeb White, said reports Joe had slipped into a coma were untrue, although the 50-year-old is desperately ill.
He said: "Joe caught a chest infection after a line was inserted into his chest in order to administer drugs, but this was rejected by Joe as he has no immune system.
"Doctors on the ward decided to sedate Joe and put him on to a ventilator, so now he is in deep sedation and is critical – ut is being able to take the drugs.
"A few days ago he was very bad and his body was rejecting everything. He is still very ill, but Joe has the constitution of an ox and I'm sure he will pull through."
Former Grumbleweed and close friend, Tony Jo, said the next 10 days were crucial, but he was confident he would pull through.
He added: "Doctors have told us that this is normal after a patient has undergone a major operation.
Joe has been battling non-Hodgkin's lymphoma since 1988 and has been sent hundreds of cards from well wishers. His website has also been inundated with get well messages from concerned fans.
He bowed out of public life last year, but has made a few emotional appearances in front of thousands of Blackpool fans in the past six months.
But doctors forced the veteran singer to pull out of a summer season show at Blackpool's Paradise Rooms due to the cancer.
Tony Jo added: "He is in good spirits and if anyone can get through this then it's our Joe."
"The good news is that the bone marrow has started to produce cells which are working, but these things are like car engines – sometimes they work and sometimes they don't.
"The next 10 days will be crucial to Joe in whether he can pull through this, but I and his family are certain that he can battle this as he has done with everything else.
"I would ask his army of fans who are reading this to light a candle for our Joe as he needs all the support he can get over the next week or so."
Pat Mancini, a close friend of Joe, said: "He is still critically ill, but doctors are more pleased with his progress today than they have been for the last week.
"He has had a better night last night and we are hoping and praying that he will pull though."
nick.hyde@blackpoolgazette.co.uk
29 July 2005

JOE MAKING GOOD PROGRESS

Taken from Hull Daily Mail,

9.30am - 19 July 2005

Hull's favourite entertainer Joe Longthorne has pleased doctors with his progress as he continues to recover following a life-saving bone marrow transplant.

The singer is "stable and improving" at Manchester's Royal Infirmary, almost three weeks after the transplant.

However, he now faces a critical stage in his recovery as his immune system rebuilds after he developed new stem cells.

Doctors are giving Joe antibiotics every day to prevent infection and platelets to help his blood clot.

His tour manager and close friend Zeb White said: "The next two weeks will be the critical period when the new stem cells are finding their way from the blood supply into the bone marrow. At this time, Joe is most vulnerable to infection and bleeding, so antibiotics are administered daily together with platelets to help the blood to clot."

The star, who was born off Hessle Road but now lives in Blackpool, was diagnosed with leukaemia two years ago.

He was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 1988.

He underwent the transplant at the end of last month after a 28-year-old woman from south Wales agreed to donate her bone marrow to give him the chance of life.

The operation was a success, although doctors warned his recovery may be prolonged because of his age.

Mr White said there was a chance Joe could now be moved to the Victoria Hospital in Blackpool to continue his progress closer to home.

He said more would be known by the end of August.

Thursday, July 14th 2005
5:15 PM Joe's making a good recovery!

FROM THE HULL DAILY MAIL 13TH JULY

Joe Longthorne is making a slow but good recovery after his bone marrow transplant, doctors said today.

The 50-year-old remains in an isolation unit at Manchester Royal Infirmary, two weeks after the operation.

The Hull-born star has had some side effects, including a dry throat, but consultant Dr Guy Lucas has told friends he is recovering satisfactorily for his age.

Friend and tour manager Zeb White said: "It's so far, so good. I've been visiting every other night so as not to encourage Joe to talk and strain his throat.

"His sister Ann has been to see him and he's looking forward to coming out and spending some time recovering at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, near his home."

Joe, who received the stem cell transplant on June 29, has been fighting various forms of cancer since the late 1980s. It returned in 2003 as an aggressive form of leukaemia.

Taken from the Stage newspaper

Longthorne's two hour show days before operation

The following article is taken from July's edition of the STAGE

Joe Longthorne celebrated his 50th birthday with a two hour show at the Pleasure Beach Paradise Room for invited fans just days before going into hospital for his life-saving bone marrow transplant.

Entering and leaving to a standing ovation, Longthorne was joined on stage at one point by his sister Elizabeth to sing the Patsy Cline classic Crazy, cheered on by the rest of their family. Many fans were left in tears following a rendition of If I Never Sing Another Song. The set also included impressions of Tony Bennett, Max Bygraves, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.

He told his fans, many of whom presented him with flowers after the show: “I am looking at the next few weeks as a journey. I have had a great and wonderful time. When I get through this next operation I’ll be back in top form and top style and I hope my hair will come back too.”

He also thanked the bone marrow donor, a 28-year-old Welsh woman, and said a prayer for everyone who had given blood transfusions and the medical and nursing staff who had helped him through the past few months.

Opening the evening, compere Tony Jo said Longthorne had been given the go-ahead for his June 29 operation after a successful lumbar puncture test. Said Jo: “Doctors say he will need six months to convalesce but knowing Joe he will be back in six weeks.”

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Taken from Hull Daily Mail 6th July 2005

Wednesday, July 6th 2005
3:52 PM JOE'S HEALTH IMPROVING

HULL: Singer Joe Longthorne is continuing to improve after his health took a turn for the worse following his transplant.

Joe, 50, has entered the critical part of his recovery, when his body is at risk of rejecting the donor bone marrow stem cells.

People begin to feel unwell about five days after a transplant when they are at risk of graft versus host disease.

Joe was struck by the disease and saw his condition deteriorate on Saturday.

Friend Zeb White said Joe was last night getting stronger.

He has now been moved into a private isolation suite at Manchester Royal Infirmary. He was supposed to moved in there after the transplant last Wednesday, but there were none available

Taken from Blackpool Gazette 6th July 2005

SINGER FACES EIGHT CRUCIAL DAYS TO SEE IF BONE MARROW OP IS SUCCESSFUL

Agonising waiting game for brave Joe
CANCER-battling singer, Joe Longthorne, faces an agonising eight-day wait to find out if a bone marrow transplant has been a success.
The entertainer is recovering in an isolation ward at a Manchester hospital after undergoing the transplant last Wednesday.
And even though it is still too soon to say whether the operation has worked, the irrepressible star is already planning his comeback gig.
His close friend and manager, Tony Jo, said today: "All the signs so far are hopeful. Joe is feeling pretty unwell but strangely enough that is a good sign according to the doctors.
"He was up and about the day after the operation laughing and joking with everyone. And although he is quite sick at the moment he is still in very good spirits and has already booked to perform a New Year's Eve concert in Blackpool, although I can't say where yet."
Joe, who is currently in remission from lymphatic cancer, cancelled a planned summer season at the Pleasure Beach's Paradise Rooms to undergo the life-saving operation.
The donor, a 28-year-old Welsh woman, was found after the singer's fans launched an international appeal for a suitable match.
Joe turned 50 last month and celebrated by putting on a two-hour birthday show for fan club members. He promised adoring fans that after the operation he would be back in top form – and with more hair.
Tony said: "We will find out next week whether it has worked and we are all very optimistic. If it works he won't need anymore treatment and if anybody deserves it Joe does.
"He is fighting like the fighter he is.
"Everyone has been so impressed by how brave he is being and has been throughout his illness.
"Because of the risk of infection he has to stay in isolation so he hasn't been able to have too many visitors, just family and close friends, but he has had so many supportive messages from fans he can't wait to get back to work and thank them the best way he knows how, with a great show."
Joe will remain in Manchester Royal Infirmary until next week. Doctors say he will then need six months to convalesce – but Tony Jo said owing to the star's personality, he will be keen to get back a lot sooner.
Last year the singer had to cut short a show at the Opera House on doctor's orders and he underwent extensive chemotherapy.
rebecca.smith@blackpoolgazette.co.uk

06 July 2005

Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2005 11:48 am Post subject: Recovery update 1

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Joe was tired yesterday after all the events of Wednesday and slept for long periods during the day. After the transplant various other drugs were administered through the Hickman line including anti-biotics. This didn't finish until 3.00am and continued again in the morning.

Joe's appetite has returned and he ate all his meals yesterday. He now needs to drink plenty of fluids especially water and Joe has to keep a daily record of fluid intake.

I didn't arrive at the hospital until 10.00pm last night, as I was out of town most of the day and was surprised to see Joe wide awake and in good form. He looks remarkably well and shows no visible signs of the huge amount of chemotherapy his body has been subjected to in the last 10 days.

I spoke to the Night Sister before leaving last night and after looking at Joe's charts confirmed all the readouts are normal and Joe is exactly where he should be 24 hours post operation.

I will add a note of caution here because in the next few days there is every likelihood things will change for the worse and Joe's condition will deteriorate for a while. The reason for this is when a transplant is done using the stem cells or bone marrow from a donor there is a possibility that the new cells (the graft) will react against Joe's tissues (the host). This reaction is called Graft-versus-Host disease (GVHD). It effects different people in different ways, usually the disease is mild since drugs are prescribed to prevent it happening but can become very severe usually with older patients and when the donor is unrelated. Joe is fortunate as his general health is very good and the donor is almost a perfect match in every way.

This reaction normally begins four or five days after the transplant and can last for a couple of weeks until the correct balance of drugs stabilises the disease. Joe will be moved into the isolation unit this weekend and is fully aware of what lies ahead.

He knows we are all here for him and we wish him a speedy recovery.

Zeb White

Site Admin Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2005 8:13 pm Post subject: Recovery update

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Everything went to plan yesterday evening,apart from the delay due to the non availability of an isolation unit which will now be available tomorrow or Saturday.

The bone marrow transplant lasted 1 hour 30 minutes while we watched TV. Joe being Joe had Jamie and I laughing trying to get every last drop of blood and stem cells down the Hickman line by rolling the bag up like you would a tube of toothpaste. Joe felt no pain or discomfort while the procedure was taking place apart from feeling slightly queasy afterwards. Joe's temperature, blood pressure and pulse were all normal after the transplant which is very good news. While the infusion was taking place Joe's skin tones were returning to normal as he had become slightly anaemic especially his toes which had turned white.

We tried in vain last night to put the update on after the transplant but due to the exceptional amount of people on the site waiting for news the server crashed and Paul was unable to get it up and running again until early this morning.

I've been out working all day and am just going to visit Joe now for a little while and if time permits will post another message later.

Zeb White.

Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2005 1:30 pm Post subject: Hospitalisation update 15

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Zeb extends an apology for not being able to post an update as he is in a meeting all day.

Joe had a good night and slept very well. He is feeling fine and ate well at both breakfast and lunch. He is now relaxing in his room.

We will post a more detailed update later today

29.06.05 Hospitalisation update 14: Joe's transplant ended at 8:40p.m. and he is now resting in his room. Both Jamie and Zeb are with Joe and he is relaxed and feeling well.

A further update will be posted tomorrow.

29.06.05 Hospitalisation update 13: At 7p.m. Joe's medical team began administering the marrow transplant via the Hickman Line which was inserted over a week ago. The procedure is expected to last around 2 hours.

The marrow is mixed and administered along with blood and administered as a blood transfusion. Joe is awake during the process and is currently watching 'Emmerdale'! He is in good spirits and joking with Zeb and Jamie, who will be with him during the whole process.

We will post another update this evening after the procedure is complete.

29.06.05 Hospitalisation update 12: Joe's operation will definately go ahead today sometime after 6 p.m.

He is feeling well and is very positive about the procedure.

We will endeavour to post another update later tonight.


29.06.05 Hospitalisation update 11: At this moment in time the transplant will take place sometime after 2.00pm today.

Joe is still in good spirits this morning and feeling no ill effects from all the treatments yesterday.The medical staff are amazed at Joe's strength and resilience which will put him in good stead for a speedy recovery.

Andy Williams and Englebert Humperdinck are just two of the celebrities who have sent good luck messages to Joe in the last few days together with hundreds of others from all over the world.

Zeb White


29.06.05 Hospitalisation update 10: Both Jamie and I stayed late last night with Joe who was in tremendous form and showing no signs of any side effects or discomfort. We were expecting the treatment to knock him out but in fact it had the opposite effect with Joe singing Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett songs. Then we were reminiscing about all the fun we've had over the years touring Australia and cruising an both the Canberra and the QE2. The reason we started talking about cruising is Pat Mancini is on the QE2 at the moment off Southsea celebrating the Battle of Trafalgar. Two Queens waving at each other.!!!!

Joe's appetite returned yesterday and he ate every meal he was given as well as all the snacks throughout the day. Even late last night he was munching on bags of crisps.

The transplant today will not take place until this afternoon now as when we left last night the isolation rooms were still occupied by the previous transplant patients. The night sister informed us they will have to be assessed by a doctor this morning to make sure they can be moved back onto the general ward for recovery.

As soon as I have any information about the timescale of events today I'll ask Paul to post another message.

I know everyone's thoughts are with Joe today and on behalf of Joe I thank everyone for their continued support.

Zeb White


28.06.05 Hospitalisation update 9: Once again I spent some time with Joe and Jamie last night and we can't believe how well Joe looks and how positive his attitude is. He wants to be fully recovered to start work again on New Year's Eve in Blackpool with a big "Welcome Back Party", so watch this space. This will give Joe something to focus on while he is recovering after the transplant and in his own eyes is a very achievable goal.

The treatment went to plan yesterday with no adverse effects and not a hint of sickness which these drugs can cause.

Mr Guy Lucus, Joe's consultant, visited yesterday and told Joe the reason you don't see me everyday is you are doing really well, so I spend my time with the more needy patients. All the signs are very positive for a smooth infusion of the stem cells tomorrow.

Although Joe has no appetite now for regular food he weighed in at 11st 7lbs yesterday but was told he would loose some weight after the transplant, maybe up to 7lbs. Up until now the staff have been fattening Joe up on cheese, cakes, biscuits, energy bars and other high protein foods.

Joe wants to thank the whole team around him, Doctors, Nurses and Ancillary Staff who are doing a marvellous job, not only for Joe but for the other 12 patients on the ward.

Dr.Paul Cahalin was looking after Joe at the Victoria Hospital in Blackpool last year and is now a member of the team at the MRI and sees Joe on a daily basis.
The countdown to the transplant starts in earnest today with some powerful drug known as MELPHALAN and together with others will bring Joe's immune system down to zero so when the Bone Marrow is infused tomorrow morning it will lesson the chance of Donor / Host rejection.

As I have said earlier, Joe is in good general health and the Medical staff see no reason for any complications tomorrow. We all know Joe is a fighter and if anyone can beat this dreadful disease Joe can so for now all we can do is hope and pray for a successful outcome.

Zeb White

Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 3:29 pm Post subject: Hospitalisation update 8

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I've just returned from the hospital after visiting Joe this evening and must say he looks remarkably well after a full 7 days of treatment. He is in very good spirits and showing little signs of pain or discomfort while the treatments are being administered but afterwards feeling tired which is quite normal. Joe is sleeping for longer periods of time now as the chemotherapy is building up in his body but still laughing and joking when awake as he was tonight.

The staff have described Joe as the model patient and is an absolute dream to look after, giving them no problems at all, as he fits in well with the hospital routine.

More good news is Joe has not had a cigarette for nearly a week now since going into hospital last Monday morning. He was offered nicotine patches but elected to stop with will power alone and has found it quite easy so far with just the odd craving.

Joe has started to loose his appetite now which is perfectly normal so high calorie health drinks are being given to supplement his diet and help keep his strength up.

Joe is still watching the tennis and listening to Radio 4 at the same time and I have to confess last night we watched Emmerdale and Coronation Street but don't tell anyone.

We must give credit to Jamie who has been a tower of strength to Joe and has been there for him all the time. We were lucky as an apartment was available just above the haematology unit so Jamie is only a couple of minutes away from the ward.

I must thank everyone for all the personal comments to myself in the guestbook but more importantly the huge amount of love and support you have all given to Joe over the past few days.

Zeb White

Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 8:10 am Post subject: Hospitalisation update 7

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The good news is Joe is getting through his treatments without too much pain. Yesterday as well as Campath Joe was given a different chemotherapy ARA-C which is similar to the CHOP-R he was on earlier in the year. This did cause some initial discomfort but was alleviated by medication being administered. By the time I left at 9.30pm Joe was feeling fine.

In between treatments yesterday Jamie took Joe out in a wheelchair round the hospital grounds for an hour in the sunshine.

Joe has been watching the tennis all week at Wimbledon and really enjoying it.

The get well cards and letters of support are still flooding in and the nursing staff are going to hang them on the walls of Joe's room over the weekend.

I'm in London for a couple of days now so I'll not be visiting Joe again until Sunday when I will post another update.

Zeb White

Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2005 8:21 am Post subject: Hospitalisation update 6

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Joe has had the second session of chemotheraphy this afternoon and unlike yesterday suffered no side effects at all. Yesterday about half way through the treatment Joe felt really off colour with the shakes which took a while to wear off.

I was working in Bristol today so was unable to visit Joe tonight but after speaking to Jamie earlier he assures me Joe is still in good spirits and ready to face the challenge ahead.

Zeb White

20.06.05

Hospitalisation update 5: I've just returned from the hospital after visiting Joe this evening and can confirm the first three hour session of chemotherapy was administered this afternoon together with two bags of anti-biotics through the Hickman line. The swollen glands on Joe's neck have started to reduce already.

Mr Guy Lucas, Joe's consultant visited this afternoon and has put Joe on morphine to counteract the back pain he has been suffering from lately. Joe has also been put on a course of steroids. More blood has been taken for analysis but there is plenty left the nurse joked.

Joe was in good form this evening and we were having a good laugh about touring and all the fun we have had on the road over the years.

The nursing staff are absolutely wonderful and Joe wants everyone to know he is in good hands and ready for the challenge ahead.

Zeb White

20.06.05

Hospitalisation update 4: A close friend kindly provided me with a chauffer-driven Bentley Convertible to collect Joe yesterday afternoon and transfer us to the Lowry Hotel in Manchester where the Presidential Suite was made available for the night. Joe was blown away by his generosity and absolutely loved the suite which featured a Yamaha Grand Piano in-between the lounge and dining areas. I'll post some pictures on the site in the next week of Joe giving a guided tour of the suite. After having diner in the room Joe had an early night and Jamie, John Boy and myself headed for the bar for some light refreshment.

After a full English breakfast we were driven in a Bentley Limousine to the Manchester Royal Infirmary for an 8.00am check in. Joe has been given his own compact room with air conditioning thankfully as it looks like summer is finally trying to arrive even in Manchester. We arrived as the morning rounds were taking place so we were virtually left alone. Joe should have had his first bout of chemotherapy in the form of CAMPATH being admitted through the Hickman line which originally gave Joe an infection but this has cleared up now that anti-biotics have been administered.

I'll be going to see Joe again tonight but I must say how impressed I am with his positive attitude. He is totally focused, in very high spirits and showing no signs of nervousness. As Joe himself said "I'm here now and want to get on with it".

Zeb White

June 19th

Happy 1st Anniversary Karen & Anthony, have a great day

Love Mary, Roy, Daryl

Message from the offical site

Hospitalisation update: Joe had a comfortable night in hospital and had his CT scan just after 9 this morning. Followed by various blood tests followed by various blood tests including his platelets.

It took a couple of attempts to fit the Hickman line under anaesthetic but this is now in place and will ease the administering of the various treatment that Joe will be receiving over the next few weeks.

Joe was discharge mid afternoon and back home relaxing with friends and family.

He wants to thank everyone for all the messages of support sent over the last few days and wants everyone to know he is in high spirits and is very focused.

Zeb White.

15.06.05 Hospitalisation update: Joe checked into hospital this afternoon at around 2.30 pm.

He is relaxed and in good spirits especially as the staff have given him his own private room with all the trimmings.

Tomorrow morning Joe will be having a CT scan and having his platelets checked prior to having the Hickman line inserted under anaesthetic. When the anaesthetic wares off and the staff are happy with everything Joe will be discharged sometime in the afternoon.

Zeb White

New update line message: Joe will be admitted to the Manchester Royal Infirmary tomorrow Wednesday 15th June to have a Hickman line inserted in his chest to ease the administration of the treatments while in hospital. If there are no complications Joe will be discharged the following afternoon.

Re-admission will be the morning of Monday 20th June this time into one of the isolation units for the pre-operation course of intense chemotherapy which will run for the nine days until the Bone Marrow Transplant on 29th June. This stem cell infusion will be via the Hickman line and take approximately 2 hours. During this time a complete blood transfusion will also take place as the bone marrow donor has a different blood group to Joe.

Re-cooperation will be between four and six weeks with the first week or so staying in the isolation unit until Joe's condition is stabilised by the various drugs to counteract the possible donor/host rejection. When Joe's condition is stable he will be moved onto the general ward for the remaining weeks until discharged.
I reiterate that no flowers, plants or fruit will be accepted on the ward for fear of allergies and disease etc. so please refrain from sending these items. Obviously get well cards and other presents will be accepted and the address is as follows:-

Ward 27,
Manchester Royal Infirmary,
Oxford Road,
Manchester,
M13 9WL.

I must stress under no circumstances will telephone calls be put through to the ward so please don't try to gain information from the hospital as there are special procedures in place to intercept these calls and you will get no further than the general switchboard.

Joe will hopefully record some messages for his update line while in hospital and I will endeavour to post messages on the website as and when there is some news to report.Also Geraldine will be putting regular messages on the update line.

Joe is fast approaching a very critical few weeks and at this time we all send him our love, best wishes, support and most of all the belief he will once again he will find the inner strength and courage to beat this dreadful disease once and for all.

God Bless You Boss,

Zeb White.

Below is the drawing Diane did of my little granddaughter, Maddison (Michelle's Little Girl)

Isn't it good

Thanks Diane, You are Brilliant

E-mail Received from JPL Associates

06/05/2005

JPL will be soon be sending out the latest version of our brochure to
all the Joe Longthorne fans on our current mailing list.
This brochure lists all the products currently available from JPL. All
with our unique guarantee of quality.

New to this brochure will be "Joe's Back" the moving performance video
from Easter Saturday at the Paradise Room.

"Joe in Paradise" this will be filmed at Joe's landmark 50th Birthday
Party and the evening concert.

And finally, "93" - The Directors Cut, an extended and unseen version

of Joe's incredible performances from his historic Summer Season in
Blackpool 1993. Remastered and Remixed and available only from JPL on a
fully featured DVD or VHS to cherish forever.

Blackpool gazette 7th april 2005

I thought that show was to be my last...
ENTERTAINER Joe Longthorne has admitted he thought he would never sing again – and even wanted to die.

"When the curtain fell on my last show at Blackpool Opera House last summer, I thought it was the last one I would ever do," said Joe.
The ever-popular singer was recently given an all-clear after his latest bout of chemotherapy in his long battle against a recurring cancer.
He added: "I have been ill before – I've had the last rites read to me twice – and I consider myself lucky to be alive.
"They told me I had the lowest blood count they'd ever known so I'm lucky that I live close to the hospital – if I'd been out in the country I reckon I'd be dead by now.
"I've been down that tunnel they talk about – I've seen the light here, I've been that close to death - but I'm a fighter."
Despite having been given the green light on what he calls his "remission of sorts" Joe still has further tests to take on when – or as he'd like to hope, if – he has to undergo a bone marrow transplant.
A nationwide search finally found a match, but a transplant would mean another month's chemotherapy – this time in Manchester rather than Blackpool, followed by the operation, a recovery period in Blackpool Vic and then six months to a year convalescence.
"But I'm not letting my fans down any more," he says.
As if to underline that, he recently completed a trio of successful shows in the Pleasure Beach Paradise Room and will be back two nights a week from the end of July for the summer.
"I feel sharper than I have done for years – I'm much more confident and much happier on stage," he says. "Up to now the treatment has been 100 per cent successful. I don't feel ill. Last year I could feel it all coming back – I could feel my back going and it was more and more of an effort to drag myself out of bed and on to the stage. I ended up only able to do a 30 or 40 minute set and that isn't me. I don't want people thinking I'm only turning up for the money."
A side-effect of his illness – and its treatment – has been sweeping bouts of depression.
"There have been times when I have actually felt like I have wanted to die," he admitted. "The after-effects of chemo are like the worst hangover you have ever had – then when I wasn't able to perform I began to wonder what the point was."
But his faith ("I'm a Catholic, I'm not a Bible thumper, but I believe there is a higher authority"), his fans ("they are so supportive – we keep in touch via net and phone – and they follow me everywhere which is wonderful") and his partner Jamie have all played a part in his recovery.
"At times it can be more difficult on a partner than on yourself, but Jamie has been wonderful," said Joe.
"Every day at the hospital he has been with me. There were times I couldn't even walk up the stairs. We work well together. He calms me down and won't let me do too much too soon – even though that's my way. Jamie does things by the book."
And together with Blackpool-based comedian Tony Jo – who will open the show for Joe during the summer – they will be making sure the entertainer doesn't take on too much.
"I'll be doing the odd night here or there – there's the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow and the possibility of a couple of nights in Paris," says Joe.
The latter is a result of his long friendship with Engelbert Humperdinck.
"I was too ill to see him at the Opera House last time, but he invited me to his hotel," says Joe.
"He'd been watching my Sheffield concert video on his tour bus and said he'd not seen anything like it. He said he'd like me to play Las Vegas again – and then he mentioned Paris. He's such a genuine guy."
He is realistic about how much hangs on the next series of tests.
He says: "There's this feeling that if I don't have the bone marrow, it's goodnight Vienna."
One thing is certain, by this time next year he wants to have stopped smoking.
"I know it looks bad but it's very addictive and I'm the sort who gets addicted," he says. "It's hard to quit right now.
"My mum said to me the other day – 'Joe, you've done what you set out to do, relax a bit and smell the roses while you're still in the
garden'

I WAS NERVOUS, BUT THE CROWD WAS FANTASTIC

09:30 - 01 April 2005

Hull-born singer Joe Longthorne has spoken for the first time since the Mail revealed he is to have a bone marrow transplant in a bid to beat cancer for good.

JOE Longthorne says he was nervous when he performed for the first time after chemotherapy, but thanked fans for their support.

The singer opened his heart to the Mail following three sell-out gigs in Blackpool and Wednesday's revelation that he is to have a bone marrow transplant.

Speaking from his Blackpool home, he said: "I feel great, better than I have for a long time.

"I was very nervous going on stage for the first time since my chemotherapy on Saturday, but the audience was fantastic."

Joe, 49, played to a crowd of 450 each night of the Easter weekend at the Paradise Rooms in Blackpool's Pleasure Beach.

They were his first shows since falling ill and cutting short his summer season last year, and two days after doctors offered him a bone marrow transplant to try to end his 17-year battle with cancer.

The singer, born in Hessle Road, Hull, was first diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 1988.

He thought he'd had the all-clear in 1997, but the cancer returned and mutated into leukaemia.

He is now free of the disease after 24 weeks of chemotherapy, but doctors fear it may return unless he has the operation.

Today, Joe thanked his fans for helping him reach this stage of his recovery.

He said: "I want to say thank you to all my fans for all their support, flowers, cards and presents. It made all the difference when my treatment was getting to me."

The singer is likely to have the transplant by the end of 2005 and could need up to a year to recover.

He is hoping to return to Hull for a show in September to raise money for Hull Royal Infirmary's baby care unit.

The original fundraiser had to be postponed last Autumn while Joe was being treated.

j.boulton@hdmp.co.uk

JOE'S BID TO BEAT CANCER FOR GOOD

09:30 - 30 March 2005

Singing star Joe Longthorne is to undergo a bone marrow transplant in a bid to eradicate his cancer for good.

Doctors have found a donor match for the Hull-born singer and hope to be able to operate by the end of the year.

If the transplant goes well, it will end a 17-year hell during which Joe has been treated for cancer five times.

The 49-year-old decided to have the operation following a meeting with a hospital consultant in Manchester.

His tour manager Zeb White said: "Joe's apprehensive about the transplant because it's unchartered waters for him, but he hopes he will then be cured.

"He will then be able to live a normal life for the first time in many a year."

Joe completed a gruelling 24-week course of chemotherapy last month and his leukaemia - a cancer of the blood cells - is in remission.

Last weekend, he even returned to the stage for the first time since the treatment ended to perform three sell-out shows in Blackpool, where he now lives.

His body is free of cancer cells, but doctors at Manchester Royal Infirmary believe the disease could return if he doesn't have the bone marrow transplant.

Mr White said: "He's like the old Joe again.

"His hair is still quite short, but he's 12-and-a-half stone and has total strength and commitment.

"However, the last two times his cancer has been pushed back it has returned more aggressively. Unless he has the transplant, there's the risk it could do the same again."

The Anthony Nolan Trust found possible donors for Joe in Wales and Germany.

Yet the closest match is expected to be from an undisclosed location discovered in the past few weeks.

Doctors will run final tests over the next three months and the operation should take place before the end of the year.

Joe will then need six to 12 months to recover, but there is a risk the donated bone marrow could reject his body and the transplant could fail.

The star was first diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 1988. He was given the all-clear in 1997 but two years ago the cancer returned in the form of leukaemia.

Joe will need more chemotherapy before the operation to ensure his body is still cancer-free.

Joe will then need six to 12 months to recover, but there is a risk the donated bone marrow could reject his body and the transplant could fail.

The star was first diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 1988. He was given the all-clear in 1997 but two years ago the cancer returned in the form of leukaemia.

Joe will need more chemotherapy before the operation to ensure his body is still cancer-free.

j.boulton@hdmp.co.uk

JOE RISKS BONE OP TO BEAT CANCER FOR GOOD

09:30 - 29 March 2005

Singing star Joe Longthorne is to undergo a bone marrow transplant to ensure his cancer is eradicated for good.

Doctors have found a donor match for the Hull-born singer and hope to operate by the end of the year.

If the transplant goes well, it will end a 17-year hell, during which Joe has been treated for cancer five times.

The 49-year-old decided to risk an operation following a meeting with a hospital consultant in Manchester.

His tour manager Zeb White said: "Joe's apprehensive about the transplant because it's unchartered waters for him, but ultimately it's hoped he will be cured and can live a normal life for the first time since 1988."

Joe completed a gruelling 24-week course of chemotherapy last month and his leukaemia is in remission.

Last weekend, he returned to the stage for the first time since the treatment ended to perform three sell-out shows in Blackpool, where he now lives.

His body is free of cancer cells, but doctors at Manchester Royal Infirmary believe the disease may return unless he has a bone marrow transplant.

Mr White said: "He's like the old Joe again.

"His hair's still short, but he's 12-and-a-half stone and got total strength and commitment.

"However, the last two times his cancer has been pushed back, it has returned more aggressively. Unless he has the transplant, there's the risk it can do the same again."

The Antony Nolan Trust found possible donors in Wales and Germany. Yet the closest match is expected to be from an undisclosed location discovered in the past few weeks.

Doctors will run final compatibility tests in the next three months and the operation should take place before next year.

Joe will need six to 12 months to recover, but there is a risk the donated bone marrow will reject his body and the transplant will fail.

The star, who made his name on Junior Showtime, was first diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 1988. It later mutated into leukaemia.

Joe will need more chemotherapy immediately before the operation to ensure his body is still cancer-free.

Mr White said Joe was relishing his current state of health.

"Joe's feeling better than he has done for a long time and he's really enjoying life and being back on stage," he said.

Joe's Easter show at the Paradise Rooms, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, drew audiences of 450 a night.

He hopes to return to Hull in September to perform a fundraiser in aid of Hull Royal Infirmary's baby unit, which was postponed last year.

j.boulton@hdmp.co.uk

Joe Longthorne - The hardest working man in Showbusiness
STOP PRESS<<< Tuesday 5th April

Fan Club Birthday Bash:

As a truly appropriate gesture - Joe's official production company JPL Associates are to release a full concert video entitled "JOE"S BACK" (1h 40min). Professionally filmed at the Paradise Room on Joe's fabulous easter comeback opening night.

More good news:

Joe has asked us to produce a video of the fans bash and the following concert to properly celebrate his landmark 50th Birthday.

Joe's Youngest fan at the paradise room's Karen from accrington's Daughter is offically Joe's youngest fan at the age of 4.

30.03.05

NEW FLY-ON-THE-WALL DOCUMENTARY TO BE RELEASED ON JOE'S 50TH BIRTHDAY (30TH OF MAY)

As many of you are aware we have been following Joe on tour and through his summer season in Blackpool filming a fly-on-the-wall documentary. The documentary will be released on DVD to commemorate Joe's 50th birthday and is entitled "If I Never Sing Another Song".

It has been a real roller coaster of a ride for us and when Joe agreed to give us unprecedented access to film a 'behind the scenes' documentary, back in December 2003 we could never have anticipated the highs and lows that he experienced throughout 2004.

What made this project very interesting for us was Joe's willingness to a complete unfettered access throughout the entire shooting and this left the window open to capture some very special unguarded moments. We are sure that you will all enjoy this film.

THE COMPETITION
We are anxious to involve all you fans in this project and we have decided to run a competition for the front cover image of the DVD. The best of the image submissions will be chosen as the image for the cover.

ENTRY CRITERIA
• images must be supplied in a digital format via email. (regretably we cannot accept physical photos) Please send images to: info@joelongthorne.com. Please also ensure that individual emails are no more than 1Mb in size.

• images must have been taken in 2004

• images must be a minimum of 800x600 pixels at 72dpi (higher quality submissions preferred)

• all applicants whose images are short listed must agree to sign an image release form. (to be supplied once the short list has been finalised)

• all images must be submitted by the 14th of April

We hope that many of you will take part in this competition and that you will enjoy contributing to this DVD.

These are stills from the video 'Joe Longthorne - A Year in His Life' , Part Two

On my newspaper cuttings page you will see an article which was printed in the hull daily mail on february 26th.

Whether this information is reliable or not it is in black and white in the hull daily mail

Charity evening: There will be another fund raising evening at the Queens Hotel in Blackpool on the 10th of March in aid of the JL Appeal.

Bernard Manning will be the main act for the evening along with Peter Anthony and his band.

Tickets are £5 each and are available on the door. The show starts at 8:00p.m.

Joe hopes that as many of you as possible will be able to help support the evening.

25th February 2005. As given the successful outcome of the treatment, Joe has signed to to perform at The Paradise Room in Blackpool for the entire summer season on Saturdays and Sundays

Sunday 24th July - Sunday November 6th (most Saturdays and Sundays)

Tickets will be on sale from Monday 28th February at 9 am.

The Box Office number is 0870 444 5566 or alternatively you can order tickets on line at www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com

Taken from Joe Longthorne Official site

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Monday 7th February 2005

Joe will be doing 3 shows over easter at the paradise room at blackpool pleasure beach.

Entitled "An evening with Joe Longthorne" these shows will be on the 26th, 27th and 28th of March. Tony Jo will be the support act for the event.

Tickets will be on sale from tomorrow morning. the box office number is 0870 444 5566 alternatively you can book tickets online at www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com.

Joe has left a message on his update line with further info on thsi event.

book early

SHOW GOES ON

Joe Switched on the cleveleys iluminations for xmas see the article here

part 1 ..part 2

10/11/04. The charity night held at The Princess Music Tavern in Blackpool last week raised £5,200 for MacMillan Cancer Relief.

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Heres a copy of the letter from karen dyke from macmillian. Diane still has some more money to collect in macmillian letter

Donors hold out hope of life for star Longthorne

THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE IS TAKEN FROM THE YORKSHIRE POST

NEW donors have been found who could provide a cure for Yorkshire-born entertainer Joe Longthorne in his fight against cancer.
The 49-year-old Hull celebrity had his hopes dashed of a life-saving transplant after none of his siblings proved suitable bone marrow donors.
But now seven other potential donors who share his tissue type have been found following a world-wide search. Over the coming weeks tests are being done to see if any proves an exact match.
A recent spate of ill health has already forced the veteran performer, who suffers from the rare form of leukaemia non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, to cancel his charity Christmas show at Hull City Hall, on December 18.
Partner Jamie Moran, 28, said: "It was tremendous news about the possible donors. A transplant is the only real cure and seven chances is good. It's not like we just have one shot.
"Joe's disappointed he's had to cancel the show but he's got to listen to the doctors' advice.
"It's not really cancelled, it's postponed to next year. Joe hates the word cancelled."
The singer, who now lives in Blackpool, has begun 18 weeks of chemotherapy, after being forced to cut short his summer Blackpool dates.
It was thought there was little chance of finding a match amongst a non-relative.
But his consultant Dr Paul Kelsey, from Blackpool Victoria Hospital, is now said to be considering a transplant when his current treatment finishes in January, after the Anthony Nolan Trust found seven donor hopefuls on its worldwide register.
Joe was first diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma 16 years ago. He has been so close to death that he has had the last rites twice. Seven years ago fans cheered when he announced at a concert that he had finally beaten the disease.
But in July this year, doctors told him a transplant was his only chance of survival
0 Please comment on Our articles / Post Comment here!

Sunday, November 7th 20046:10 PM JOE EAGER TO HONOUR HULL DATE (AT A LATER DATE!!)

FROM THE HULL DAILY MAIL

Joe Longthorne's production manager said the singer would reschedule his cancelled gig as soon as he was well.

Joe's long-time aide Zeb White today said the cancer-stricken star was bitterly disappointed at having to indefinitely postpone his December show at Hull City Hall because of his chemotherapy.

Mr White spoke out after the Mail revealed yesterday how Joe was facing an anxious wait to see if any of seven possible bone marrow donors will be a good enough match for him to have a life-saving transplant.

Mr White, 56, said: "Joe wants to stress to all his fans the show is not cancelled. It is only postponed. Depending on his health, he wants to do a show as soon as he can.

"If he gets a transplant it will be January at the earliest and then he will have to rest for six months. But after that I know Joe will want to get back on stage. For him, performing is the best medicine."

Joe was meant to be on a tour of Australia this week but had to cancel it so he could have his 18-week course of chemotherapy.

"Joe will never stop performing," said Mr White. "He will go on until the end."

Anyone who has paid for the show on December 18, should take the tickets to the Hull City Hall box office, Paragon Street, for a refund.

The following article is taken from the Hull Daily Mail November 5th 2004.

TRANSPLANT HOPE FOR JOE

Singer Joe Longthorne has been given fresh hopes in his fight against cancer after doctors traced seven potential bone marrow donors,

The Hull born celebrity had been told he would not be able to have a lifesaving transplant after none of his family proved to be a suitable donor.

But family members revealed today that Joe, who suffers from the rare form of leukaemia non-hodgkin's lymphoma, may now have the transplant as early as January, after seven people on the bone marrow donor's register were found to share his tissue type.

The star now faces a two week wait which each potential donor undergoes detailed tests. If one is an exact match, the Hessle Road born singer could end his 16 year battle against the killer disease.

The good news comes as Joe's poor health has forced him to cancel his charity Christmas show at Hull City Hall on December 18th.

Doctors have recommended he stays at home to have complete rest, as his strength is said to change day by day.

Last night the star was too exhausted to speak to the Mail, but sent a brief message via his agent.

He said "I'm happy with the medical team looking after me and I do whatever they say, I leave all decisions to them"

Joe's partner, Jamie Moran, 28, said : "It was tremendous news about the possible donors. A transplant is the only real cure and seven chances is good.

"Joe's disappointed he's had to cancel the Hull show but he's got to listen to the doctor's advice.

"It's not really cancelled, it's postponed to next year. Joe hates the word cancelled".

The singer, who now lives in Blackpool, is undergoing 18 weeks of chemotherapy, having cut short his summer Blackpool dates after becoming too weak to perform.

Consultant Dr Paul Kelsey, from Blackpool Victoria Hospital, decided Joe, 49, should not have a transplant as his sisters Ann, 58, and Lizzie, 54, and brother John, 56, were not matches.

It was thought there was even less chance of finding a match from a non relative.

However, the doctor is now considering a transplant when Joe's chemotherapy finishes in January, after the Anthony Nolan Trust found seven donor hopefuls on its worldwide register of more than nine million people.

Alex Fraser, spokeswoman for the Anthony Trust said hundreds of Joe's fans had registered as donors after hearing of his plight.

Should he have the operation, he would be expected to make a full recovery.

Joe was first diagnosed with leukaemia in 1988.

He was given the all clear in 1998, but in 2003 was told the cancer had returned.

The singer can take hope ftom the story of 10 year old Hessle schoolgirl Molly-Ann Barnett, who survived a rare form of leukaemia thanks to a bone marrow transplant.

It is hoped Joe's show will take place in Spring. Anyone with tickets can take them to the Hull City Hall box office, Carr Lane, for a refund.

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26.10.04

Letters from macmilan cancer releif for the sponsorship money raised for the big wheel challenge

Sponsorship raising £1,517.80

Buckets on the day raising £99.85

Total Raised and received by Macmilian Cancer Releif £1,617.65

15.10.04

Launch of online shop: We are happy to announce the launch of our online shop.

Our first release is a Limited Edition 12" Gold Disc to commemorate Joe's album: 'Live in Concert'.

Over the coming weeks we will be launching many new products so please check back regularly or register for updates and you will be notified by email when new products are added to the catalogue.

--
The Official Joe Longthorne Site

http://www.joelongthorne.com
email: info@joelongthorne.com

I have been approached by several fans asking if I could possibly put Diane's drawings of Joe on this site with a view that they may possibly purchase them to raise money for MacMillan Cancer Relief.

With the agreement of Diane, I am listing two of these drawings below. It costs Diane £1 each to have these laser printed so we have agreed to sell these at £5 each, £4 of which will go to MacMillan. For orders please e-mail Diane at diane_keating@btinternet.com

................

BUY JOE'S LATEST VIDEO - FILMED AT SHEFFIELD CITY HALL 2004

Click here for details

To order your copy call Professional Magnetics Ltd on 0113 2706066

Available on VHS or featured DVD see flyer below for prices

SIMPLY THE BEST FOOTAGE OF JOE EVER !!!

(PLEASE NOTE - THE SALE OF THIS VIDEO IS AVAILABLE THROUGH AN INDEPENDANT SELLER AND HAS NOTHING AT ALL TO DO WITH THIS WEBSITE - I HAVE BEEN ASKED TO ADVERTISE IT)

Mary

Important announcement 25/09/04

Anyone who has already ordered a copy via Proffessional Magnetics ltd, I have been assured those orders are safe and will be honoured. Joe was not quite hapy with some of the footage so there will be a slight delay.

watch this space

Please note This information comes from an independant source and not via this website.

Joe on BBC Look North 20th September

right click and save as

Hi Quality - (Broadband Connection) 6mb file

Low Quality (56k modem) 2mb file

Quicktime is required

It is recommended to use internet explorer as aol may experience problems downloading the file or viewing it.

11.9.04

JOE CANCELS SHOW BUT IS DETERMINED TO FINISH HIS SUMMER SEASON???????

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE IS PART OF A REPORT IN THE HULL DAILY MAIL 7TH SEPTEMBER. AS FAR AS I AM AWARE, JOE IS ONLY BACK ON STAGE AT THE OPERA HOUSE FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY ON SATURDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER AND NOT FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE SEASON. NEVERTHELESS, WE THOUGHT YOU WOULD LIKE TO READ ANY NEWS WE COULD LAY OUR HANDS ON.

Singing star Joe Longthorne has been forced to cancel a week of shows in Blackpool, under the advice of doctors.

The 49-year-old, who has been performing five nights a week, despite undergoing chemotherapy treatment in his battle to beat cancer, will return to the stage next week.

He has been advised to take a rest from the gruelling four-month summer season spectacular, in which he has been starring at Blackpool Opera House.

Today, Joe's manager, Tony Jo, said the demanding schedule had taken its toll on the performer.

He said: "Joe is determined to finish the summer season - it was the best and biggest thing for him in years.

"But being a showman, he puts a lot of energy into his shows, and it's taken its toll.

"He loves his fans and normally spends an hour after each show chatting to them, but lately it has been a case of finishing a performance, jumping straight into the car and heading home. What Joe doesn't want to do is make himself worse by burning himself out on stage.

"We all hope he can have a long rest after the summer season finishes."

Hessle-born Joe broke news of a fresh health battle to the Mail in July. Doctors ruled out the possibility of him receiving a crucial bone marrow transplant, which he had hoped would end his long-running fight against non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

He has been undergoing 18 weeks of chemotherapy during his show and is taking 37 tablets a day to treat his condition, at his home in Blackpool.

A spokesman for Blackpool Opera House said: "We all understand Joe taking a week off because of his condition.

"He will be missed by his fans and he is resting at home. He is looking forward to coming back next week."

10. 9. 04

Joe to return to summer season for one night: We are elated to report that Joe is responding well to his current treatment and will be leaving hospital later today.

Joe has decided as a thank you to the other cast members and to most of all, his fans, to perform on Saturday 18th of September.

This will be a very special night and we hope that many of you will be able to attend.

Blackpool Gazette 8-9-04

Blackpool summer show star Joe Longthorne has begun an intensize course of chemotheropy folowing a health scare.

As exclusivly revealed in the Gazette yesterday doctors told the performer, who is battling leukeamia, to cancel all stage appearances while he is put on an intensize course of treatment at the Victoria Hospital.

And despite facing the toughest fight of his life Joe is facing up to it admirably, according to manager James Moran.

He said "Joe is doing okay. He was disappointed to cancel his shows because he didn't wan to let anyone down."

And Mr Moran was quick to dispel reports that Joe had collapsed on stage during his last show. He said "Joe was under doctors orders to leave after the show, as soon as the curtain dropped we took hime home. He usually comes out after the show to say hello so when he didn't I think fans got the wrong end of the stick"

The 48-year old entertainer was told in July that a bone marrow donor is his only chance of survival, but no suitable match has been found.

BLACKPOOL GAZETTE 7-9-04

Best Wishes Joe

News that summer season favourite Joe Longthorne has been forced to quit his Blackpool show will devastate his army of fans.

Joe been an inspiration throughout his battle with leukaemia abd everyone in the resort will wish this ever popular and talented entertainer well.

THE ARTICLE BELOW IS TAKEN FROM THE HULL DAILY MAIL (7th September)

DOCTOR ORDERS JOE OFF STAGE

10:30 - 08 September 2004

Singer Joe Longthorne was today starting chemotherapy treatment for cancer after being told it would be "suicide" to stay on stage.

In what his partner called a "life or death" decision, Joe cancelled the rest of his summer season in Blackpool and checked into the resort's hospital - five weeks before he was due to start treatment.

Today the Hull-born entertainer will begin a gruelling 18-week chemotherapy course to tackle his leukaemia - cancer of the blood cells.

Hessle Road-born Joe, 48, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma 14 years ago.

It developed into leukaemia in May last year.

Joe's partner Jamie Moran, 27, told the Mail: "It was impossible for him to carry on - it would have been suicide. This was a life or death decision."

Joe had five weeks of his season left to run, after which he was due to start treatment.

He had already postponed it from earlier this summer, as he wanted to continue with the shows.

But after coming off stage on Sunday night, Joe complained of feeling ill.

He talked to his doctor and, on his advice, checked himself in to the Blackpool Victoria Hospital ready to start treatment.

Jamie said: "No one realised how hard the show was for him. He was in bed all day, and getting up at 8pm to be on stage for 8.50pm.

"Then he'd do his 50 minutes on stage, and go back to bed.

"He has done that for seven weeks and on Sunday it just got too much for him. He is very strong, but he took the doctor's advice."

His sister Ann White is keeping a vigil by her brother's hospital bed, and his mother Teresa Longthorne will visit him next week.

Speaking from her Hessle Road home, Mrs Longthorne said: "I'm so relieved he's finally having his treatment. I've been wanting him to have this for ages, but he kept putting it off.

"It has been a long battle and it's taken its toll on Joe, but at least now he's getting something done about it.

"I've got a lot of faith in his doctors and I just hope he's better soon."

Joe, who is expected to spend a week in hospital before becoming an out-patient, said: "I'm gutted. I feel as if I've let everyone down."

But he added: "It's got to the stage where people are saying, including my mum, 'you can push yourself, but if you push yourself too far, it's twice as far to come back'."

Joe has been told he needs a bone marrow transplant, but so far a suitable match has not been found.

Jamie said: "We are hopeful of getting a match - it could happen at any time.

"This chemo will see him through another 18 months. We'll have to hope something comes up after that."

He said Joe would be away from the stage for at least a year.

He added: "He just wants to get on with his treatment now, and he needs a rest."

7-9-04 From tonights Blackpool Gazette

Joe ordered to quit show

A NEW health scare has forced Joe Longthorne to quit his headlining Opera House show.

Doctors at Blackpool Victoria Hospital yesterday instructed him to cancel all stage appearances.
He was immediately hospitalised and began a more intensive course of treatment.
The singer and vocal impressionist, who is battling against a form of leukaemia, has soldiered on with his hit summer show despite weekly check-ups.
Earlier this year he was told that bone marrow transplant would be his only chance of survival.
Bombshell
"To be honest Joe has done well to get this far through the summer," said the show's producer and director Tony Jo.
"It has taken a lot out of him but Joe is a true professional who hates to disappoint his fans and lives for performing."
The showbusiness bombshell comes just days after The Joe Longthorne Summer Spectacular had its summer run extended following the cancellation of a planned visit by the stage version of The Full Monty.
A statement posted on the Joe Longthorne fans' website today said: "As many of you know, Joe has struggled on stage over the last two months. The severe back problems that he experienced some weeks ago has made it increasingly difficult for him to perform.
"Following a routine hospital appointment, Dr Kelsey's team has decided that, despite his blood count remaining stable, the best course of action to combat the problems is to bring forward the intended course of treatment.
"Joe will be admitted to hospital today in preparation for the first week of treatment. It is envisaged he will remain in hospital for seven days, following which he will be treated as an outpatient every three weeks."
For the time being the show will continue in its present format. Comedian Johnnie Casson will take over the headline spot.
The fans' website statement adds: "The Summer Spectacular will continue as scheduled and it is Joe's personal wish that all of you who have purchased tickets do attend in support of the other cast members. This will undoubtedly be a difficult time for all."
Tony Jo is looking at the possibility of another star name joining the bill. He said: "I know a lot of people will be very disappointed. But obviously Joe's health is paramount."
Joe's fans have been campaigning for Blackpool Council to buy the singer's awards which he has been auctioning on the internet to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Relief.

7- 9-04

Joe on TV tonight: Following yesterday's announcement Joe gave an interview to Look North. Taped last night from his home Joe explains why he had to pull out of the show and how he hopes that everyone will still support the show in his absence. The show will be the 'headline story' and airs at the usual time of 18:30.

Calendar may also be running a follow up story from last nights mention which may also air tonight at 18:00. (Apologies for not warning you all in advance for yesterdays piece but we were all caught out by the speed of the media pick up).

Granada reports may also be headlining the story either today or tomorrow at 18:00.

6TH September 2004

Health Update And Summer Season News

As many of you know Joe has struggled on stage over the last 2 weeks. The severe back problems that he experienced some weeks ago coupled with the swelling of his glands has made it increasingly difficult for Joe to perform .

Following a routine hospital appointment today, Dr Kelseys team have decided that inspite his blood count remaining stable, the best course of action to combat the swelling of Joe's glands is to bring forward the intended course of treatment.

Joe will be admitted to hospital tomorrow in prepartion for the first week of the treatment.

Joe will be admitted to hospital tommorrow in preperation for the first week of the treatment. It is envisged that he will remain in hospital for 7 days following which he wil be treated as an outpatient every 3 weeks.

The Summer Spectacular will continue as scheduled and it is Joe's personal wish that all of you that have purchased tickets do attend in support of the other cast members. this wil undoubtedly be a difficult time for all and your support for the show will be much appreciated.

We will issue a further update later in the week once Joe has commenced his treatment. Joe sincerely thanks all of you for your good wishes and your support means the world to him.

(above statment from the offical Joe Longthorne site www.joelongthorne.com)

As most of you will know Joe is putting his awards and discs for auction on ebay on wednesday September 8th for ten days to raise money for MacMillan Cancer Relief. Please bid generously to support this very worthy cause - Mary

JoAnn Cooper has put some of her memorabilia up for auction on ebay and all proceeds will go to MacMillan Cancer Relief. There is a beautiful photo album with over 100 photos of Joe in also The Genius of Joe Longthorne video. Please support JoAnn and bid generously - thank you. Mary

25.08.04 Sponsored Big Wheel Ride

Well Leisure Parcs have now agreed we can have one car on the Big Wheel on Sunday September 19th to raise funds for MaCmillan Cancer Relief for six hours so that is great. The car holds six but that is too cramped for such a long time so four of us would be ideal. Candie and young Chris are definitely doing it with me and am in the process of persuading Chris from Rhyl to do it.

I am now looking for sponsors and Karen, yes it would be great if you could as you said get your husband to take a sponsor form into Sainsburys for me please.

Anyone who can sponsor me, please email me with details to fansofjoe@aol.com

Many thanks

Mary x
Email: fansofjoe@aol.com

Website http://www.joelongthorne.org.uk

22.08.04 Tribute to Margaret Darling

Margaret Darling who was a very long standing and loyal fan of Joes ,Margaret passed away yesterday after many years of ill health in the latter years she was blind and wheel chair bound and she wasn’t able to travel to Joes shows but she still followed him via news from friends and she was able to listen to tapes and CDs I had met Margaret through being a pen pal from the JLFC in 1990.We traveled together for many years to see Joe when he appeared here in Scotland at various venues and even spent holidays in Blackpool and Scarborough to see Joe in Summer Shows.A lot of laughs tears and memories were shared through the years. Margaret had followed Joes career since the very early days from Junior show time.

Margaret had knitted some beautiful arran sweaters for Joe, you may recall seeing him wearing them in various photos.I am sure a lot of of people will recognize these sweaters

Marion

20.08.04

As many of you will know , one of our long standing Joe fans Karen put some of her photos and a photo album up for auction on Ebay and now another huge fan for many years, Sarah, has kindly put her Joe Merchandise up for auction on Ebay.

Both are donating the proceedsto Joe's chosen charity Macmillan Cancer Relief.

Please support these two girls and bid generously - many thanks Mary

14.08.04

Health Update

Joe had an appointment with Dr. Kellsey at the Victoria Hospital in Blackpool yesterday and we are pleased to announce that both Dr. Kellsey and his staff are very upbeat with Joe's progress on the previous treatment. Again Joe's blood count has remained constant since the treatment finished in early June and Dr. Kellsey sees no need to change anything at the present time whilst Joe's condition remains stable. With this in mind we are negotiating to extend the summer season by two weeks until the 2nd October. Tickets should be available from the middle of next week. There may be some changes to the first half of the show due to availability of certain artistes but Joe will continue to perform the entire second half of the show as he is doing at present.

We are also pleased to the after show collections for MacMillan Cancer relief have raised well over £2,000 so far this season and we again thank everyone for their generous support for this worthy cause

Zeb White

30.07.04

Health update

Following conflicting reports which have led to confusion in the press. The following info has been issued

Joe will commence 6 chemotheropy sessions over an 18 wek period after the summer season this summer in Blackpool to control his illness.

At present Joe is not seekinga donor for marrow transplant but this may have to be reveiwed during treatment . joe is currently well and enjoying the summer season.

26.07.04

Joe's Gone Ebay Mad!!

Joe is placing all his gold discs, trophy's he has received over the years on ebay to raise money to help Cancer research to see when the items go on ebay watch this space or visit www.joelongthorne.com and please support the ebay auctions when they go live as Cancer research is a well deserved charity and we should all show our support to Joe.

21.07.04

Total raised from Leeds events: The total proceeds raised from the combined Leeds City Varieties show and the Fan Club bash far exceeded expectation at a staggering £7,213.50. Proceeds were generated through tickets sales, the auction of Joe's stage clothes and artefacts, all merchandise sold on the day and through personal donations.

A cheque has now been presented to The Friends of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Unit at the Leeds General Infirmary. Joe expresses his gratitude to you all.

Friendship Club update line: From Friday 23rd of July the update line will be operational again. The number is 0906 550 1306 and calls are charged at £1/minute.

Anthony Nolan Trust: Given your outstanding response for testing as a donor for Joe, we will be posting a Q&A on how to go about becoming a donor.

Summer Season review: Last night saw the opening night of the 'Summer Spectacular'. The show was a complete sell out and has received rave reviews in the press. One notable reviewer reported that it was: "simply the best spectacular Blackpool has seen in a very long time".

The show opened with the Starlight dancers, a formidable group of boys and girls performing high power dance routines to the likes of 'West Side Story' numbers.

Keily Hampson then wowed the audience with a set of powerful numbers. Gary Lovini continued the momentum with a series of instrumentals that brought the audience to their feet.

The king of comedy, Johnnie Casson, as usual had the audience in hysterics for over half an hour and set the stage for Joe.

Joe was on top form and mesmerised the audience for over 70 minutes with what can only be described as a show stopping performance.

The spectacular promises to be the hottest ticket in town this summer. We will post more reviews over the coming weeks.

17th July 2004 - Copy of article in Hull Daily Mail.

Singing star Joe Longthorne is facing a fresh battle to save his life after doctors ruled out the possibility of him receiving a crucial bone marrow transplant.

Leukaemia sufferer Joe, 49, had hoped a transplant would end his long running fight againat non-hodgkin's lymphoma.

But he has now been told his only option is to undergo a gruelling 18 weeks of chemotheerapy, after none of his brothers or sisters were found to be a bone marrow match.

Joe joined the national donor list, run by the Anthony Nolan Trust, but his consultant says a transplant from a non-relative could be too risky.

Instead, Joe must now hope he will remain healthy enough to complete his summer tour, before starting chemotherapy at Leeds General Infirmary in September.

The singer was today putting on a brave face as he rehearsed for his latest nine-week show at Blackpool Opera House.

"The doctors have decided to go wih the chemotherapy as it could be too dangerous for me to have a transplant from a non-blood relation, even if they found an exact match.

I let the doctors choose what to do. It is a bit like chess. There are many possibler moves, but wrong move and that's it, its checkmate.

I'm just going to have keep on fighting it with a brave face"

The starperformer, who shot to fame as an entertainer and impersonator, says he is most disappointed about having to postpone a christmas show in Hull.

That would have see him team up with his old friend Johnny Pat in a bid to raise up to £50,000 for the Hull and East Yokrshire Women's and Children's hospital.

He said people say you should not plan too far ahead but I was really looking forward to it.

I am determined to still do ther show, but it looks like it will have to be put back to March when I can actually get out of bed. I am really sorry to the fans.

Now living in Blackpool, Joe was first diagnosed with non-hodgkin's lymphoma in 1988 and was given the all clear in 1997.

Fans were relieved to hear that the singer was back to full health, but last June his world was turned upside down once again when he was told that the disease had returned.

Non-hogkin's lymphoma is a form of leukaemia that attacks the white blood cells that make up the the body's immune system.

His white cell count is currently just above the danger threshold .

Joe has recently returned from a holiday in majorca with partner Jamie Moran, 27.

He maintains the best way to deal with his illness is to remain positive.

Joe said: "My brother John and sisters Anne and Elizabeth came up to Blackpool to be tested as soon as they heard i need a transplant.

"We had such a good laugh.

"We do not get together often nd it was really nice.

"It was someting good to come of this."

Joe's Blackpool show begins Monday.

16th July 2004 - Health Update

The treatment Joe underwent during the spring tour achieved most of its objectives and has stabalised his blood count. Joe will now receive check-ups every 3/4 weeks.

As no suitable match has found following the testing of his family members, Joe hs been added to the Anthony nolan Register.

Following todays meeting with Dr Kelsey it has been decided that Joe will undergo 6 chemotherapy sessions over an 18 week period immediately after the close of the summer season in Blackpool. Therefore the Australia tour will be reschedhuled for February/Mach 2005 . The UK dates for late November and December will go ahead as planned.

Joe thanks you all for your continued support and is looking forward to the start of the sumer season in Blackpool.

11th July 2004 - FAN CLUB UPDATE
A personal message from Joe:
As you know, my former agents administered the fan club. Membership funds have been witheld and I find myself with no alternative but to instruct solicitors to act on my behalf to recover these monies.

My deepest regret is that you have been inconvenienced by this unfortunate situation. I am confident that this will be resolved and that the fan club will continue under a new administrator.

My sincere apologies for this situation.

Joe.

9th July 2004 - THE CLOSURE OF JOE'S FAN CLUB

As I have been getting messages on my forum on this subject, i thought i should add a note here.

Geraldine did put a message on the offical site guestbook but, of course, as you know this has been deleted. We are all in the same boat here but think we have to be patient and trust Geraldine when she says she wil return our uncashed cheques. I don't see the point of putting irrate messages on the official site or, indeed, any of our sites until we know the full situation. It is not helping Joe if he reads any of these and as far as I am concerned, as long as Joe gets well that is first and foremost to me.

Joe is not now under the management of Chimes International but is managed by Robert C. Kelly who Joe has had dealings with in the past. Geraldine did say in her message that Jamie did not want her to run the Fan Club because she worked for Chimes.

Lets hope that this situation will be resolved very shortly and maybe another fan club will be set up by the new management, but first let's get Joe better and ready for his Blackpool summer season. People demanding answers on the official site is not going to help resolve the matter . The official site have said we will all be updated after the weekend.

Will keep you posted of any new developments as and when they come to hand.

Mary

xxx

1st July 2004 - TONIGHTS Show Cancellation
Cancellation Grays: Once again we have the unfortunate news that tonights show at Grays has been cancelled. We sincerely apologise for informing you so close to the event but Joe was waiting up until the last moment hoping that he was well enough to travelling down South and perform. On doctors advice he has been advised to rest.

We sincerely apologise once again and hope that you all can understand as this is a trying time for all involved.

28th June 2004 - Summer Bash Update
It has been decided that, in view of the fact that Joe may be having hospital treatment later this year, and bearing in mind that he has a heavy summer schedule at Blackpool, it might be too tiring for him to attend a Fan Club Bash over the summer. We have therefore decided to postpone it for the present. Many apologies for the disappointment but I'm sure you will all understand.

Birmingham Evening Mail Offer
The Birmingham Evening Mail are running a weekend trip to see Joe in Blackpool on 21st August. It includes coaching to a hotel in Preston, evening meal, show at Opera House (rows B, C and D). Overnight accommodation, breakfast and a visit to Manchester Trafford Centre on the way home. If anyone is interested they can call 0121 234 5583/5786 to book and price is £89.00 per person.

25th June 2004
Tall Trees going ahead as scheduled: Given concerns following this weeks cancellation at St Albans we are happy to confirm that the Tall Trees show will definately take place tomorrow.

23rd June 2004
Health update: As a follow up to Joe's latest treatment Dr Kelsey has decided a bone marrow replacement operation is well worth persuing in a hope to cure Joe completely of his lymphoma. Three of Joe's brothers and sisters are being tested for compatability in respect to being donors. Should a match be found Joe will be going into Christie's Hospital in Manchester for the operation later in the year.

Another option to this would be to continue on the same chemotherapy Joe was administered with last spring.

Once again Joe thanks everyone for their good wishes and continued support. He also wants to assure everyone it is "Business As Usual" and is looking forward to the Blackpool Summer Season starting next month

22nd JUNE 2004 - CANCELLATION ST. ALBANS
Unfortunately tomorrows show in St Albans has been cancelled. Joe is feeling unwell and has been advised to rest. Saturdays show at Tall Trees is expected to go ahead as scheduled. We will post a further update over the next few days.team apologise for the late cancellatio

20th JUNE 2004 - THANKS
By Sue Jones of Prestatyn
Thanks mary for the lovely tribute you have done for me by my request in memory of my best friend sue foster who as we all know passed away thursday of this week,she will be greatly missed as we always went to see joe together for many years we shared the driving,each others credit card when it came to booking tickets etc many a holiday away together and shared many a memory,laugh and tear when watching joe in concert,like most fans we could write a book about what we got upto over the years.
i will still come to see joe as my mum has stepped in to help out with the tickets especially the ones booked for the summer season,its going to be hard for a long time traveling the country and attending joe's concerts without sue but i know she will be with us in spirit and sue's memory will live on in joe's music.
thanks again mary, rest in peace sue MY MATE
regards

18th JUNE - TRIBUTE TO SUE FOSTER


Just wanted to add a tribute, on this site, to a loyal fan of Joe's who sadly passed away today after a short and sudden illness. Sue was a follower of Joe for many years,even since his Towyn (North Wales) days. I'm sure lots of people will recognize her. She was at the last Birthday Bash which she enjoyed.She was a lovely lady and will be sadly missed, but not forgotten. RIP, Sue, enjoy all Joe's concerts from heaven now!

Love Chris x

I would like to add my own tribute to Sue Foster. She was a lovely lady who used to email me regularly. She was so pleased when I put her photo taken with Joe on my website.

God bless you Sue

Luv Mary xxx

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We thought it would be nice if we as Joe fans would like to make any donations in memory of Sue to either Blackpool Victoria Hospital where Joe is presently being treated or to Leeds General Infirmary.
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18th JUNE 2004 - BIRTHDAY BASH & SHOW REVIEW
By Barbara Large
Barbara has kindly written a review of Joe's recent birthday bash and it can be viewed at Show Pages

12th JUNE 2004 - FAN CLUB FUNDRAISING
By Geraldine at Chimes
Joe would like to thank members of the fan club for raising a fantastic amount of money for Charity at the Bash. Three of Joe's suits were auctioned for just over £2000 and the raffle raised almost £1000. Together with personal contributions from other fan club members who couldn't get to the Bash, this makes a grand total of £3555 which will go to the Leeds Infirmary and the Victoria Hospital. Once again, many thanks to all those who contributed.

9th JUNE 2004
More tours dates added for 2004. Check out the "Tour Dates" page for details.

9th JUNE 2004 - JOE HEALTH UPDATE
By Zeb White
Health update: Joe finished his current treatment today after nearly 14 weeks. It was thought Joe would have to stay on treatment for at least another 3 weeks but we are happy to report that this is now unnecessary. Joe will be having a consultation with his specialist, Dr. Paul Kelsey in the next 3-4 weeks when the next course of action, if any, will be discussed.

Joe again thanks everyone for their good wishes and continued support as do all of us in the team.

4TH JUNE 2004 - VIDEO RE-ISSUE
The Video shoot that was done in Blackpool in 1993 is going to be re-released this summer on Dvd and Video and will be on sale at the "Merchandise Stall" in the Winter Gardens during the summer season.

BASH UPDATE - 4th JUNE 2004
By Zeb White
On behalf of Joe Zeb would like to thank everyone for all the cards, gift vouchers, letters of support, flowers and presents received on Monday.

Thanks for all the donations and money raised a total of £7000 was given in a cheque to Proffessor Anthony Child at the City Varieties Theatre, and a extra £1000 was raised for the Macmillan Windmill Appeal at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

Joe enjoyed meeting everyone but couldn't get around all the tables, as he needed to rest before the concert and is still receiving treatment.

Joe wil be finishing his current treatment at the end of the weekand a health update will follow.

1ST JUNE 2004 - BIRTHDAY BASH
By Jo Cooper
To read Jo's review from yesterday's birthday bash then please visit the SHOWPAGE

30TH MAY 2004 - TELFORD, SHROPS CANCELLATION **TONIGHT**
We have been informed that Joe's Show tonight at Telford has been cancelled. The official site is not open today so we can not verify this information. Suggest you contact the venue yourself to clarify the situation.

As you all know it's Joe's birthday tomorrow.
Many happy returns from
Mary & Michelle
xXx

29TH MAY 2004 - CHARITY CONCERT ON 18TH DECEMBER
Joe is doing a charity concert in Hull, in aid of Hull Baby Care Unit. This is scheduled for 18th December 2004 and tickets went on sale on Wednesday. See official site news page for full details.

28TH MAY 2004 - JOE IS A WONDER
By F. McGrosty
From the letters page in the Blackpool Evening Gazette check out the News Cuttings page

27TH MAY 2004 - SHOW CANCELLATION
(from the Official Joe Longthorne site)
Cancellation Barnstable: Regretably Saturdays show has been cancelled. The last weeks gruelling scedule of shows has left Joe very tired and he has been advised to rest ahead of Sunday and Monday's shows and also the Fan Club Bash. Tonights show will go ahead and Saturdays cancellation will mean Joe will have 2 days rest before Sunday.

Joe and the team extend their sincere apologies.

25th MAY 2004 - JOE ON TELEVISION TONIGHT & TOMORROW
Joe will be on Look North at 6.30pm tonight and Calendar at 6pm tomorrow.

BBC 'Look North' at 6:30pm on 25th May 2004
An interview with Johnny Casson with clips from the Sheffield Charity Gala. Tonight -

ITV 'Calendar' at 6:00pm on 26th May 2004
Live broadcast from Joe's Tour Bus in Bradford.

24th MAY 2004
Two new show reviews from York on the SHOW PAGE from Candie & Jo

SHOW CANCELLATION - 17.05.04
Rescheduling of St. Albans Arena: Unfortunately Wednesday's show in St. Albans has been rescheduled for 23.06.04. so as not to coincide with Joe's treatment and to remove the physical difficulties in traveling from Blackpool to the South to make the show in time.

Tickets for Wednesday's show will still be valid on the 23rd of June and ticket holders should present them on entry to the venue.

JOE 'WON'T BE BOWED BY CANCER' - MAY 16th 2004
The People Newspaper

CANCER-stricken singer Joe Longthorne has vowed to continue his tour despite a setback in his battle with the disease.

Joe, 47, has had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma for 16 years but it has developed into leukemia.

The brave star said: "I have all the optimism in the world.

"I have the steadfastness to go forward and give it a f***ing good fight and going on stage is like therapy to me."

Joe, who takes 35 steroids a day and regularly needs four-pint blood transfusions, has had to cancel a few shows but is determined to play Blackpool in July.

He added: "I've got to get through it this summer. The last thing I want to do is let anybody down."

SHOW REVIEW - By Jo Copper
Jo has written a review of last weeks Retfords show. Check out the SHOW PAGE for the full review.

Don't forget to send in any reviews of Joe's show to share with other fans

BLACKPOOL GAZETTES LETTERS PAGE - 13TH MAY 2004
By Michelle Backhouse
Michelle has written an article for the gazette which was published tonight. Check out the NEWS CUTTINGS page for the full article.

SHOW CANCELLATIONS - 13th MAY 2004
From The Official Joe Longthorne Site - Cancellation Grays, Essex: Regrettably tonight's show has also been cancelled. Joe is still feeling very weak after yesterdays treatment and has been advised to rest. Joe and the team extend their sincere apologies once again.

Rescheduling of Grays, Essex: We are happy to announce that the Grays show has been rescheduled for the 1st of July 2004 at 7:30p.m.

Tickets for today's show will still be valid on the 1st July and ticket holders should present them on entry to the venue.

We apologise for the inconvenience caused.--

JOE'S CANCER STORY - BLACKPOOL GAZETTE 8/5/04

Read the full article on the NEWS CUTTINGS page

JANNY'S NEW BOOK

Janny is at present working on a book about Joe and his fans. If you have any interesting stories or photos for possible inclusion in the new book please e-mail Janny at Janisjames2000@ntlworld.com

2004 BLACKPOOL OPERA HOUSE SUMMER SEASON

Joe will be appearing at the Blackpool Opera House over a 9 week season from July 19th to 18th September he will be appearing with former "Grumbleweed" Tony Jo. The show will be on Tuesday to Sunday with Johnnie Casson, violinist Gary Lovini , vocalist Kelly Hampson, novelty act Billy Bedlam and a team of 12 dancers.

To book tickets call Blackpool live on 01253 292029

JOE TO PERFORM AT A GALA IN AID OF LEEDS GENERAL INFIRMARY

The show will take place on the 31st may 2004 at the City Varieties Music Hall in Leeds. As you all know, Leeds General Infirmary have played a major part in Joe's recovery from his illness.

This promises to be a very special night. it also happens to be Joe's birthday so please help to make this a night to remember for joe and all the people at Leeds General Infirmary

Box Office 08456 441881

Ticket prices range rom £15 -£27 per person

JOES TOUR BUS FOR HIS 2004 DATES