This year, on the fiftieth anniversary of their debut gig, Bolton School band The Berlin Airlift will return to Lostock Tennis Club to play once again!
The Berlin Airlift first performed in 1972: Old Boys Mark Radcliffe, Andy Wright, Ross Warburton and the late James Leslie (all Class of 1976) were at the time just 14 years old and formed the band while attending Bolton School. The idea of a reunion gig came from Andy, the band’s bass player, who suggested getting back together to celebrate this special anniversary.
For the one-night-only performance, Mark and Andy have invited fellow Old Boys Tony Wadsworth and Richard Pilkington (both Class of 1975) from ‘rival’ school band Black Cat Bone to join them on the stage.
Mark Radcliffe is well known for his work as a radio broadcaster, and has continued to play drums for UNE and Fine Lines. Tony Wadsworth went on to become Head of EMI Records and Chairman of the Brits, while Richard Pilkington is a professional musician with The Blackheart Orchestra.
Mark said: ‘It feels great to all get together and it’s a real celebration. Bolton School is behind it, and we are all so very grateful for the start that it gave to us.’
The band has booked the very same room at Lostock Tennis Club and they will play a mixture of covers, from The Beatles to David Bowie and Black Sabbath, based on The Berlin Airlift’s original set list from their first ever gig.
Mark, Andy, Tony and Richard would be delighted to see anyone who was there for the inaugural performance back in 1972 and their fellow 1970s Boltonians joining them for the reunion.
The gig will take place on Saturday 26 November 2022, and all proceeds will be donated to a charity of Bolton School’s choosing. Ticket information will be released closer to the date of the performance.
Photographs from The Berlin Airlift’s 1972 gig are extremely rare, so the band has asked anyone with photos to please get in touch and share them via [email protected].
