The picturesque spa town of Buxton in Derbyshire played host to one of the rock events of the year. An all star cast turned out in force for a night at the opera house in memory of the late Cozy Powell. This is how we remember it...
	As we entered the famous old theatre the first person we met backstage was Brian May. We asked him if the reformation of Queen with George Michael on vocals for an album and tour was a possibility as rumoured? "No, George was brilliant at Wembley but all we would be doing is going over old ground trying to recapture what we had, it wouldn't be the same without Freddie".

The concert was also an opportunity to raise money for the charity 'Bridge 2000' which gives support to families such as the Scholes whose son Danny was attacked and hospitalised a year ago. The money raised was going towards a voice box for Danny to enable him to talk.

The charity's patron is Bruce Jones, alias Les Battersby from Coronation Street (English TV soap) Bruce took to the stage later on in the evening but first up was Darren Wharton, keyboard player in Thin Lizzy and vocalist in the band 'Dare'. An unplugged slowed down version of Black Rose was well received as was the Lizzy classic 'Still in love with you' a very accomplished set warmly received by what proved to be a very knowledgeable and appreciative audience. Next on stage was Tony Ashton and Chris Farlowe. 'Burnt Sienna' followed with Peter French on vocals, (Big Bertha) Denny Ball (Bedlam) and John

Ivan all established names with their own connections to Cozy and personal stories of him to tell. We enjoyed Norman Beakers bluesey set. He was one of the promoters and the continuous smile on his face summed up the spirit of the occasion.

Promoter Harry Lee and Bruce Jones announced the winner of the raffle. The prize was a framed glass display of drum sticks from icons such as Phil Collins, Simon Philips, Ringo Starr, Neal Peart and Cozy Powell. Before we introduced the next act a minutes silence was held for Cozy.

Part two of the show commenced with Tony Martin (ex Sabbath) and friends Neil Murray (bass) Jeff Nicholls (keys) Bobby Rondinelli (drums) and Mike Caswell (guitar) Bobby Rondinelli sat astride Cozy Powell's famous drumkit, took the reins and powered into the classic 'Stargazer' (Rainbow Rising).
another pleasant surprise was the track 'Cryin in the rain' a classic Whitesnake number, forcefully delivered by a now emotional Tony Martin who later said "I nearly lost it during that song, I suddenly realised I'd never see Cozy again".

The applause rang out for Tony Martin and friends as more classic rock tracks followed, bouncing off the walls of this famous old theatre like balls off the racket at Wimbledon, it was an awesome show.

SAS featuring Spike Edney, Neil Murray, and Chris Thompson (Manfred Mann's earth band) were joined on stage by Brian May, the show had just started to simmer but Brian cranked it up with 'Tie your mother down' and brought it back to boiling point. We all joined Brian and SAS on stage for 'All the young dudes' and 'With a little help from my friends'. All the cast took a bow at the end of the show, which ran like clockwork. Full credit to Harry Lee and all the acts that with the appreciative and enthusiastic audience, made it a night at the opera house to remember and a night Cozy Powell would have been proud of.

We miss you Cozy - The Baileys

FEATURED ARTISTS

Neil Murray (Black Sabbath, Whitesnake, Brian May), Spike Edney (Queen, Dire Straits, Cross) Tony Martin (Black Sabbath, The Cage), Tony Ashton (Deep Purple), Chris Farlowe (Atomic Rooster) Bobby Rondinelli (B.O.C., Rainbow), Geoff Nichols (Black Sabbath), Mike Caswell (Cozy Powell) Chris Thompson (Cross, Brian May), Johnny Marter (Marillion), Clayton Moss (Cross), Susie Webb (SAS), Zoe Nicholas (SAS), Frank Aiello (Bedlam, Cozy Powell), Denny Ball (Bedlam, Cozy Powell), Norman Beaker band (Jack Bruce etc.), Russell Gilbrook, The Bailey Brothers (Mick and Dez). Brian May (Queen).

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