Trevor Burton
benefit concert
A major benefit concert took place on June 23, 2019 for Move founding member Trevor Burton whose health declined suddenly last year, forcing him to retire from performing live music - a profession he has enjoyed for more than 50 years!
Trevor Burton is best known as guitarist/vocalist in Birmingham's famous hit pop group The Move who shot to fame during the British "psychedelic" era of the 1960s. It was actually Trevor and bass guitarist Chris "Ace" Kefford who formed the band following a chat with David Bowie at Brum's "Cedar Club" in late 1965. They approached guitarist Roy Wood to join them along with vocalist Carl Wayne and drummer Bev Bevan.
Following a run of acclaimed hit records that included 'Night Of Fear', 'I Can Hear The Grass Grow', 'Flowers In The Rain', 'Fire Brigade', and their Number One 'Blackberry Way', Trevor Burton decided to leave the band in 1969. He went on to play and tour with many other famous musicians before embarking on a solo career during the 1980s fronting his own "Trevor Burton Band" with whom he established a reputation as a brilliant blues guitarist.
The Trevor Burton Band were well-known for decades on the Brum live music scene with line-ups that included many other talented local musicians. While no stranger to health concerns in the past, Trevor had to give it up last year when serious illness affected his ability to play and has now confined him to a wheel chair. Funds raised from the benefit will help towards making Trevor's house more accessible for him to cope with his now limited mobility.
The Trevor Burton Benefit Show was on Sunday June 23, 2019 at The Robin 2 Hotel in Bilston. A great night was had by all at the sold-out event largely organized by Trevor's long-time musician friend Maz Mitrenko who was also the MC.
It started off with a performance by Andy Fairweather Low - the acclaimed songwriter, record producer, session musician, and sideman to some of the biggest names in the business.
Andy first found fame as vocalist with the 1960s pop group "Amen Corner" who also toured the UK with The Move and The Pink Floyd in support of "The Jimi Hendrix Experience" in 1967. His rousing rendition of Amen Corner's big hit 'Paradise Is Half As Nice' at the benefit had the audience singing along to the catchy chorus.
The legendary Raymond Froggatt along with his long-time guitarist Hartley Caine performed a laid-back set in his own unique style. Other well-known local performers playing at the benefit were Emma Jonson, The Climax Blues Band, and "The Trevorless Burton Band" who all gave wonderful performances that were enjoyed by the enthusiastic audience.
A big highlight of the evening was "The Roy Wood Rock & Roll Band". Following Roy's performance of his well-known "Wizzard" hits, it was a real treat for those attending to see Roy play some early Move hits with plenty of opportunity for the audience to join in and have a good sing along.
In addition, a rare appearance was made by Move founding member Ace Kefford who was back-stage with Trevor Burton to lend his support for the duration of the show. Trevor, Ace, and Roy together signed an electric guitar that was the prize in a raffle held at the event.
Thanks to Derek Cooke for permission to show these photos from the Trevor Burton benefit. Some of his videos can also be seen on YouTube.
A crowdfunding page for donations is also set up at; www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/trevor-burton-1