Over 150,000 people in the UK have Multiple Sclerosis. It’s unpredictable, debilitating, life-limiting and currently incurable. But it doesn’t have to stay that way. The MS Society supports people with MS and helps to fund research into drugs that can manage symptoms better and, we hope, maybe even stop the progression of this horrible disease altogether. Tom's daughter Ellie lives with progressive MS which is why he's now raised more than £20,500 and aims to reach £21,000 and, hopefully, even more after tonight.This gig is being hosted by the Magnificent MEWL Music (big thanks to Maggie and Marc and the team at what is our home gig: Seven Arts).
The super-talented Charlie Barker, who lives with MS having had a stem transplant (aHSCT) on the StarMS trial a few years ago, will open the evening. Showcased by BBC1 at 15 as The Next Big Thing, she's since released two studio albums and toured venues and festivals across the UK and Europe to critical acclaim.
Tom Bliss is a nationally-respected multi-instrumentalist who has come out of musical retirement purely to raise cash for MS. He writes catchy story songs in a folk style. These typically tell true tales - some funny, some sad; always powerful. Tonight he's likely to play mandocello, bouzouki, dulcimer, guitar, whistle, concertina, accordion, harp and more. His first solo set will feature more personal songs (and maybe some silly ones for contrast), and he'll be joined on double bass by longstanding oppo Pete Earle - with whom he first played, in a punk band, almost 50 years ago!
For the second he'll be joined by his specially-reformed 'folk rock' band, 'the 'mighty' Slide: Derek Magee (fiddle, whistles, mandolin), Neil Whitaker (guitar, 5-string banjo and vocals, and John Layton (bass), plus Pete (now on keyboards, percussion and drum) and theatre director Martin Clarke (voice and melodeon).
And if that's not enough, Charlie Barker will return to add vocals and guitar on two special songs that Tom seldom plays. It is going to be EPIC!
All proceeds to the MS Society. You can donate and read Tom's family's story plus more about MS research via Tom's website:
https://tombliss.co.uk/
Donations if you can't come: https://www.justgiving.com/page/tombliss
Tickets (to reserve a seat - it's PAYF on the night):
https://www.ticketsource.com/sevenleeds/mewl-music-tom-bliss-and-slide-plus-special-guest-charlie-barker/e-qrpmdd?fbclid=IwY2xjawTb7qRwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4rYwL5MyzYppa5JsnkIFmSY64hrYn03IBHjsMavuUbSjV_dTJXBjGuWjiwkQ_aem_y2Oc4Iw0FwZhdczQ0PBMVA
Please like and share with anyone you think might want to support the campaign or enjoy the show - we had a full house last time, so book early to avoid disappointment.
(NB if you're in the North West, Tom and Slide are playing in Preston on the 31st of October - tickets on Tom's website).
Event venue
Seven Arts Leeds, 31A Harrogate Road, Leeds, United Kingdom
Tickets
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