' HAPPY HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY JOE'
31st May 2024
Remembering Joe today on what would have been Joe’s 69th birthday. One of the UK’s greatest ever entertainers, ‘incomparable’ in ev...
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REMEMBERING JOE 4 YEARS ON
2nd August 2023
Tomorrow 3rd August 2023 very sadly marks four years since Joe passed on back in 2019. Warm and cherished memories live on forever with ever...
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30
Jun
Jun
BLACKPOOL GAZETTE: JOE PRAISES HOSPICE FUNDRAISERS
Blackpool singing star Joe Longthorne today congratulated the Fylde coast for its efforts to raise more than £200,000 for charity through a Gazette appeal.
The popular entertainer has said the wealth of support given to Hospice Heroes campaign for Trinity Hospice and Brian House children’s hospice was “remarkable”.
We announced, last week, we had smashed our £200,000 Hospice Heroes appeal, which has helped pay for the biggest revamp in the hospice’s 30-year history.
The money raised through the appeal has been put together with a £280,000 grant from the Department of Health to pay for the work at the hospice on Low Moor Road, Bispham.
He told of his pride in the Fylde coast’s work to support the charity which cares for people with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions while talking frankly about his own battle with cancer.
Joe, 59, was diagnosed with throat cancer last month and is now preparing to undergo a gruelling 10-hour operation on Wednesday to remove a tumour from his neck.
He said: “I’m thrilled it has been raised.Blackpool has to stand up and be proud for raising this money, it’s a real thing to celebrate.
“When you’ve been through it, or know the money is for children too, it’s good.”
The singer admitted he has fears about the forthcoming operation, saying he is nervous about the impact the throat operation could have on his voicebox.
But he remains optimistic and confident in his medics, as well as buoyed both by his fans and friends support and his own faith. And he retains his sense of humour.
He said: “I’m a little nervous about how the operation will affect my voice – I could come out sounding like Mickey Mouse! But if I should come out of it OK singing will be the most important thing.
“I go up and down but you’ve got to get on and I have to thank everyone for their wonderful messages of support.”
He is already looking forward to returning to work and perform some of his summer season show dates at Viva Cabaret Showbar.
Close friend Darren Day is set to cover for him in the meantime.And the generous singer hopes to set up his own charitable cause too, the Joseph Patrick Longthorne Foundation, when he is recovered and recuperated, having supported Trinity and Brian House in the past.
He added: “I’ve supported them and it’s always been a joy.
“They need £5m a year to keep it going, it’s so expensive to run.
“It’s inspirational people have raised this £200,000 for Hospice Heroes.”
29
Jun
Jun
HULL DAILY MAIL- FLASHBACK ON JOE
The Hull Daily Mail are running a number of special commemorative issues about Hull and some of it's most famous sons and daughters. The issue dated 23rd June 2014 features a look back at one of it's most famous sons, Mr Joseph Patrick Longthorne, Joe to us all. Here's their montage of some of Joe's earlier press photos and features, Joe's asked for this to be shared with you all.
29
Jun
Jun
A FEW WORDS FROM JOE.....
Sharing this message from Joe travelling home after the show in Billingham tonight, the final one before he enters hospital for surgery in a few days.....
"Hi thanks for tuning in, what an extraordinary evening...it started out leaving Blackpool at 5..no 4.30 ! I was at the helm and i got to thinking (as you do ) im going to billingham to perform my last concert before my surgery...im travelling through our wonderful countryside, and in my head im thinking of years gone by and when i came to the north east as a young kid and played all the clubs that this wonderful part of the country had to offer. It took me right back to where it all began and going back to Leeds City Varieties last week made me feel special and feel the love.
On that wonderful Forum stage tonight it was perfect and everything seemed to fall into place.the band, the lights, familiar sights .
Thank you for all the love and affection ( and i mean this ) you have truly made me feel the warmth and encouragement to go on. Was a wonderful show, a very warm and spiritual experience.....
God Bless You All.....
See you soon
Joe x "
27
Jun
Jun
MESSAGE FROM JOE
News has been announced today in the Blackpool Gazette regarding Joe's shows at Viva Blackpool while he's taking time off due to treatment for throat cancer.
Here is Joe's personal message about the Viva shows:
Thur 26th June 2014
'That's What Friends Are For'
Hi everyone,
This afternoon I’ve had a great production meeting with Viva Blackpool’s directors Leye D.Johns and Martin Heywood and James regarding the Summer Season. Firstly I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Leye and Martin for their backing in putting together ‘That’s What Friends Are For’, without their help it may not have happened.
I’m deeply honoured that Mr Darren Day is to star in this production, he’s been busy filming and to know that he’s taking time out to fill in for me is really nice. Taking care of Business also is the simply fantastic Carol Kaye and Tracey Jordan. Completing the line-up my friend Mr Leye D Johns and the Viva showgirls.
I’m sure this is going to be a great show and thank you all for being so supportive. As a gesture of goodwill to all Friendship Club members there will be an after show buffet each Sunday and I do hope to see you there. So, please join in with me in wishing all involved in “That’s What Friends Are For” the greatest success.
Yours
Joe.
27
Jun
Jun
BLACKPOOL GAZETTE : JOE'S JOB ..ALL IN A DAY'S WORK
West End star Darren Day is set to step in to help out showbiz pal Joe Longthorne with his shows while the veteran entertainer undergoes cancer treatment.
Singing star Joe has been diagnosed with throat cancer and is due to undergo an operation next Wednesday.
He is booked in to play at Blackpool’s Viva night spot every Sunday throughout the summer plus a 74-date tour of UK theatres.
Now his showbiz friend Darren has offered to star in the Viva shows until Joe is fit to sing once more.
While he admits they are big shoes to fill, Darren has said it will be an “honour” to perform for Joe.
He said: “Hearing the news Joe was ill again was horrible but when I got the call about doing his shows, I was just honoured.
“It’s great to be able to do something like this for someone who is my idol and to do it in Blackpool, I have such fond memories of performing here.
Agent Eric Hall said: “Joe is to have his operation to remove the throat cancer on July 2 and can’t wait to be back signing for his fans, but we will have to see how it goes.
“In the meantime Darren has kindly agreed to step in to help Joe out.
“Darren is a great performer, a real star and he can do the same things as Joe; singing, dancing, impressions.
“Darren phoned shortly after the news about Joe’s cancer to offer his best wishes and Joe’s manager had the idea of seeing if he was free to stand in if need be.
“We spoke to his manager and Darren was delighted to help.”
Joe, 59, battled back from leukaemia in 2006.
He had a bone marrow transplant after first being diagnosed in the late 1980s, but was stunned to be told he had throat cancer in May.
Now he faces a gruelling 10 hour operation at Royal Preston Hospital.
Joe is then set to stay in hospital for between 10 days and two weeks before returning to recover and recuperate at his Blackpool home.
He said: “I’m in the expert hands of my consultant and his staff.
“Who else could have covered for me but Darren?
“He’s a true professional and a nice lad. I’ll be in to see him whenever I can.”
The weekly shows start at Viva Cabaret and Show Bar, on Church Street in Blackpool, on July 27, continuing every Sunday.
Joe hopes to return to the stage a few weeks later to ease back into shows, providing he is in good health.
This article first published in Blackpool Gazette Friday 27th June 2014
22
Jun
Jun
JOE LONGTHORNE BACK AT THE CITY VARIETIES LEEDS
The celebrated and historic City Varieties Theatre in the heart of Leeds played host to Joe last Friday 20th June ‘one of their own’ as the box office lady lovingly called him on the phone last week. First treading the boards there as a young cheeky blond haired fresh faced lad of 13 back in the late 60’s in ITV’s ‘Junior Showtime’, Mr Joe Longthorne MBE returned in style last Friday for a very special evening, here are a few photos from Joe's performance, thanks to John Orange, plus a look back to Joe as a teenager.
21
Jun
Jun
ITV CALENDAR NEWS
ITV CALENDAR NEWS FRI 20 JUNE 2014
'Longthorne to perform just weeks before cancer op'....
The singer Joe Longthorne, from Hull, is performing tonight just weeks before facing gruelling cancer treatment.
The 59-year-old fought back from leukaemia in 2006 but was told he had throat cancer in May. He's having a major operation to try and treat the cancer next month.
But he's still taking to the stage tonight at Leeds City Varieties. He has 74 shows booked for the summer and has promised to play as many as the illness allow.
18
Jun
Jun
JOE LONGTHORNE SPEAKS TO THE MIRROR ABOUT HIS THROAT CANCER & JULY OPERATION
"JOE LONGTHORNE: I PRAY AFTER MY CANCER OPERATION I CAN STILL SING AND MARRY MY JAMES"
"SINGING LEGEND BATTLED LEUKAEMIA FOR 20 YEARS BEFORE HE HAD A LIFE-SAVING BONE-MARROW TRANSPLANT IN 2006"
Joe Longthorne is reluctant to face his fear, but knows he must. In just two weeks he will have an operation to remove a cancerous tumour from the right side of his throat. And he is terrified he may never be able to sing again. Joe, who battled leukaemia for 20 years before he had a life-saving bone-marrow transplant in 2006, is facing up to his latest fight with trademark good humour and the support of his partner James Moran.
At home in Blackpool he says: “It may seem a bit selfish but I want to keep my singing voice. We are just going to have to get it done and see what happens afterwards because my doctor wants to get it out as quick as he can. We don’t know where it has spread to and what else will have to go. It is a big fear for me. Singing is my life. Performing has been my life since I was a nipper. I can communicate when I am on stage. It is all I have ever known. If my voice went that would be extremely depressing, I don’t know what I’d do,” he says sadly, before turning it into a joke. “I will have to take up juggling!”
Joe, now 59, who became a much-loved singer and impressionist after he won the TV talent show Search for a Star in 1981, first realised something was wrong when he noticed a rough patch of skin in the right side of his mouth. “A few months ago I had a rough feeling inside my jaw,” he says. “At first I thought I had bitten it accidentally. I left it for a while but then I went to see a GP. I said I thought it was a blister but she said there is something down there that doesn’t look right. I was getting all sorts of pains and started taking painkillers. I went for two scans and my surgeon called me back in and I knew what he was going to say. He said it’s cancer and whatever it is it has to come out now. My heart sank. But I will fight it. I have had cancer three or four times so I had an idea it might be. You just have to keep going. Whatever happens this operation has to go ahead.”
Because Joe was booked to do 74 shows this year, thousands of programmes have already been printed and are now stacked in his garage. He and James, his partner and manager of 18 years, don’t know what the future holds. The couple have talked about marriage and this latest diagnosis has set them both thinking about it again. James, 37, said: “It’s at times like this you think of it even more but we are taking things one day at a time. It is something we will definitely look at. When I heard the cancer was back I thought, Here we go again. But my attitude is that we beat it once we can do it again. It’s nothing to get scared about. The main thing is we do it together, simple as that.”
The son of travellers, Joe was born in Hull and he soon discovered his own talent for performing. At the age of six he won a toy car in his first talent show. By 14 he landed a part on Yorkshire Television’s Junior Showtime. After leaving school he made singing and impressions his career, building up a loyal fan base in the northern clubs. Then he entered Search for a Star and his Shirley Bassey impression helped him to victory. His success landed him his own ITV series and platinum-selling records followed.
He first met James in 1997 at a showbusiness party in Blackpool. Joe was deep in conversation with comedian Roy “Chubby” Brown when he spotted the young son of a local antique dealer across the room. Looking tanned and wearing a pink shirt and blue trousers, Joe is speaking for the first time about James. He tells me: “He is a wonderful person but we are complete opposites. When I saw him at the party I was single and hadn’t had a relationship for quite a while so I was straight in there. “I thought he might go off for a dance with his wife or girlfriend but he didn’t. He was off to see a musical that weekend but he decided not to – he cancelled and saw me instead. “He doesn’t really care for showbiz. He was a very good golf player and had a chance to turn pro. I said I’d support him 100% but I offered him a job as my manager and he wanted to do that. We have thought about marriage... I would love to marry James.”
Joe is taking inspiration from brave Stephen Sutton, 19, who raised more than £4million for the Teenage Cancer Trust before his death earlier this month. His spirit and energy moved people around the world, including Joe, who says: “Nineteen years old and cancer took him – what a short life. "When it’s young ’uns it is very hard. But to be so young and so brave is a lesson to all of us. He is a real inspiration. “Cancer is like you are in a very exclusive club that nobody wants to be in. But young Stephen – what a brave man to go through that in such a way.
“With cancer it is the family that go through just as much worry as the patient. That’s sometimes the tragic thing – that cancer infects everyone. I try to laugh it off and sing it off. I just have to keep on going.”
Some might say that Joe, with all his success, has been dogged by ill fortune. He was diagnosed with chronic lymphatic leukaemia in 1982 and for 20 years he fought it until it developed into full blown leukaemia. A bone-marrow transplant in 2006 was a success and led to remission. At the height of his fame in the mid-90s, Joe was using Class A drugs which pushed him to physical and mental collapse. He says: “I have had two nervous breakdowns. When I first got cancer I was on a lot of drugs and I got really depressed. I had a breakdown and went into High Wycombe hospital.
“I did take a few drugs in the early days. I was a bit of a lad. I have had LSD and cocaine. I have had the full menu except for heroin. I was using drugs before and during my fame. I had a nervous breakdown as everything became too much. It was just a social thing but I do feel you end up depressed on that s***.”
Then in 2011, while being driven back from a gig with James, their driver blacked out and they crashed at 100mph into a roundabout. The car was just a twisted mass of metal but all three somehow survived. Joe walked away from the wreck before collapsing and going into a coma, while James suffered a shattered ankle.
Joe says: “We saw what was happening. I tried to stop the car or pull on the brake. I was awake when it happened. I thought, ‘Not again, here we go again.’ When we took off I just held on. I suffered neck injuries, a broken nose and whiplash. James came off the worst though. It’s a miracle he didn’t die – the car was flattened.”
James adds: “The driver blacked out. He had a medical condition. It was just a million-to-one shot. When he had the blackout he put his foot on the accelerator so we knew something was wrong. We flipped over three times down the road, the length of a football pitch. We all had seat-belts on thankfully.”
It’s apparent that the couple have been through a great deal in the last two decades – including a bright spot when Joe was awarded an MBE for services to charity in 2012. Now as they wait for the date of the operation they will face the new challenge together. Joe said: “I woke up this morning feeling positive. Let’s face it. I’ll be lucky to live but if my voice does go I will just have to find something else to do, like play golf with James. “It would be devastating but there are other things to do. And I will just have to find them.
This article from The Mirror by Alun Palmer Published 18 June 2014.
17
Jun
Jun
NEWS UPDATE: OPERATION DATE ANNOUNCED
Joe would like to let you all know the latest developments in his treatment for throat cancer. Since the diagnosis he has been under the complete care and guidance of his medical team. You will already know that Joe is to undergo an operation; this will now take place on 2nd July 2014 at the Royal Preston Hospital. The surgery is major and the operation will last around 10 hours. It is expected for Joe to stay in hospital for between 10 days and 2 weeks and then to return home to recover and recuperate in the privacy of his Blackpool home.
Here are a few words from Joe to you all ……
“Please do try not to worry about me; I am in the expert hands of my consultant and his staff. They have guided me through this illness so far and I have complete confidence in being in their hands going forward to my operation and then my recovery, my team will issue regular updates keeping you all informed about my condition. We have 3 shows now till 28th June so I do hope you can get along. God Bless You All “
Joe will be at The Kirk Theatre, Pickering and City Varieties Leeds this week and then The Forum Billingham on 28th June 2014 before he enters hospital for surgery. There are limited tickets available for all these shows and full booking details are in our ‘Events’ section. Joe would really love to see you all there and it will mean so very much for him to carry your love and support onwards to his stay in hospital, his surgery and then his recovery.
We will keep you updated on Joe as we move along to his admission date to hospital and there will be news updates at regular intervals as appropriate. We would ask that everyone respects the privacy of Joe and his family and loved ones during this time. Thank You.
12
Jun
Jun
JOE IN SCOTLAND
Joe's on his way to tonight's concert at The Carnegie Theatre Dunfermline, also tomorrow at The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow and Saturday at The Brunton Musselburgh.
There are very limited tickets available for all these shows so we advise booking now to avoid disappointment. All booking details on our Events section.
There will be a full range of Joe's Official Merchandise on sale at these gigs together with Joe's Brand New 2014 Tour Brochure, an all new large scale production 24 pp with a great new portfolio of photos of Joe at home together with some great words from Joe himself. A limited edition publication this is a great souvenir of your evening with Joe.
11
Jun
Jun
ALICE BARRY
Actress Alice Barry has been a very close friend of Joe's for many years and here is some news about Alice and her charity work which Joe would like to share with you all.
Alice is holding her inaugural charity event in aid of Christie's Hospital on Saturday 5th July 2014 at Bolton Whites Hotel.Alice, best known for her portrayal of Lillian Tyler in the award-winning Channel 4 drama Shameless, and more recently with credits to her name including Coronation Street and Benidorm will host the event to raise money for the Christie Charity.
Tickets are priced at £35.00 per person, to book your tickets please call the Bolton Whites Hotel Events Office on 0844 248 2345 email events@boltonwhiteshotel.co.uk
A limited number of bedrooms are also available at a special rate of £55.00 Room Only - please ask when booking your tickets. The full address of the venue is Bolton Whites Hotel Reebok Stadium, De Havilland Way, Bolton, Greater Manchester BL6 6SF
Ticket price includes:
Arrival Drinks Reception - including photo opportunity with Alice, Three Course Meal,
DJ & Disco. There will also be a Charity Auction & Raffle on the night, including some signed items by Joe Longthorne.
10
Jun
Jun
JOE LONGTHORNE FOUNDATION
Joe Longthorne received a MBE on 13th December 2012 by HRH the Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace for his extensive services to charity.
With that in mind and having raised a colossal sum of money for charity over the years Joe thought it would be a great idea to set up a foundation in his name. This would raise funds for the charities he not only supports but which are very close to his heart, The Anthony Nolan Trust, Alzheimer’s Society, Cancer Research UK and DCWC Nepal (of which Joe is the Patron) to name but a few.
On a personal note many of you will remember the help and support Joe received with his battle with cancer a few years ago, resulting in finding a match for the bone marrow transplant needed to save his life.
Now Joe is battling against cancer for the second time and he’s determined to once again fight back against this life threatening disease, he commented “I would like to say to my fans at this time to think of my charities and give their support if they can. After receiving the MBE in 2012 I have given much more time and attention to helping others and I would like to ask my fans to do this too and they will be helping me on the way”.
You the fans, friends as Joe likes to refer to you all, and in fact anyone can help raise money in many different ways, coffee mornings, sponsored walks, runs, fetes, car boot sales there are so many to choose from.
Two of Joe’s fans Lyn and Ian have started the ball rolling; they took up the challenge of climbing the 02 Arena in London on Saturday 7th June 2014. This is a monitored event and the climbers traverse the dome along a suspended walkway that’s 52m high and 380m long including the journey back down. Remember, climbing expeditions need a little preparation, the term ‘challenge ‘means just that, they are both terrified of heights but were determined to do this for the benefit of Cancer Research UK.
Ian said "The climb was very challenging and it's not until you actually do it that you realise how physically demanding it is. I would like to thank everybody who sponsored me and the funds raised will be donated to Cancer Research UK through the Joe Longthorne Foundation. We have raised just over £600 I am thrilled”. Ian is now looking for his next challenge (when he has recovered from this one!) Lyn said “I am amazed at the support we have had from everyone. It was a great day, for a great charity as you all know Joe has another mountain to climb himself in the coming weeks, but I'm sure he will conquer this rotten illness once again and with the help of people giving so lovingly to this charity, we will in time rid the world of cancer ... Many thanks for all your support”.
07
Jun
Jun
JOE LONGTHORNE CIVIC THEATRE ROTHERHAM 8 JUNE 2014
Joe looks forward to seeing everyone at The Civic Theatre Rotherham tomorrow Sunday 8 June 2014.
Latest ticket news is that there are just a few seats left for Joe's concert with his band, all booking details on our Events page.
07
Jun
Jun
JOE 'LETS THE TRAIN TAKE THE STRAIN' TO GET TO HIS WYLLOTTS THEATRE GIG !
In the words of Joe himself "The Show Goes On"…… and so it certainly did last night at The Wyllotts Theatre Potters Bar after an exceptional trek down from his home in Blackpool. After setting out for the gig by road the mid-afternoon radio traffic bulletin broadcast the nightmare news that all the major routes from the North West down to London were blocked due to accidents and congestion.
Determined to get to the gig come what may, Joe made the immediate decision to divert to the nearest station and catch the next train to London , as our photo from Tracey Jordan shows, arriving in good time to take to the stage and perform with his band. The audience showed their love and appreciation for Joe and his extended journey by giving him a rousing welcome.
Joe, currently facing treatment for his recently diagnosed throat cancer pulled out all the stops and gave his fans an evening to remember. He was surrounded by crowds of fans and well-wishers at the stage door and posed for photos before eventually leaving for home. He’s requested for his deepest thanks to be passed on to everyone who gave him cards, gifts, flowers and messages of support, he is greatly heartened by all your good will and warm thoughts at this time.
05
Jun
Jun
POTTERS BAR 6 JUNE 2014
In the words of Joe himself "The Show Goes On" and so it will tomorrow at The Wyllotts Theatre Potters Bar. Joe will be performing with his band and singers, all details on our Events Page.
04
Jun
Jun
THANK YOU PERTH !
Get well cards and warm messages for Joe have been flooding in, he can never thank everyone personally but each and every one is gratefully received.
One particular letter which has arrived is from Lisa Scaffidi, The Lord Mayor of Perth, Western Australia. Joe has been particularly cheered and heartened by Lisa’s lovely words on behalf of the City of Perth.
Joe commented earlier this afternoon…….
“I would like to say a particular special hello to all my fans and friends across Australia and especially to Lisa for her touching letter. Yes it has been a few years since I was last in your beautiful country and I have missed you all. However, the show will go on and I will be back down under just as soon as I can. There are many thousands of miles between the UK and Australia but with the miracles of modern technology we are much closer, until then I am thinking of you all. God Bless you all. Love Joe x ”
03
Jun
Jun
A FEW WORDS FROM JOE.......
Hello Everyone,
May I say firstly what a wonderful evening it was on Saturday last for my birthday celebrations at Blackpool’s very own Viva. It was great to see all my fans and friends and for me to have a few moments with everyone. I received so many cards, gifts, charity cheques and well wishes and would like to say a huge ‘Thank You’ for all your love and support; it means the world and more to me.
A special mention has to be made to all the artists who performed at my celebration evening. The fantastic Caz Kaye, Peter Taylor Young all the way from Tenerife, from London Bill Russell and the sensational Rose Marie. A mention also to dear friends…… Joe Wildy and Mal Ford for taking to the piano, from Tenerife Paul and Chris Dean and of course the wonderful Alice Barry,thanks to a dear friend Barry from Northern Securities and of course the great showman himself Mr Leye D.Johns and Martin Heywood from Viva Blackpool. Finally as always a big thanks to all my team, Cliff and Paul the sound engineers and to Geraldine the Friendship Club Secretary.
On a more serious note I am determined to carry on performing…... you all know what I’m like! My medical team have advised me that I will be undergoing a major operation for the throat cancer in the next few weeks, We are taking things stage by stage and you will of course be kept up to date with the latest news, so here we go, round 2……….
I have to mention my consultant and surgeon Mr Akhtar and his team at the Royal Hospital Preston. My deepest thanks and appreciation go to Mr Khurshid in Blackpool for guiding me through all my tests and examinations and for his total support.
I am not sure about the recovery and recuperation time right now but you will receive regular updates as we go along. I am in the best medical hands possible so please try not to worry too much, as I always say there are always people worse off than ourselves. Always remember…..The Show Goes On.... and I will be at The Wylotts Theatre Potters Bar on Friday so once again ‘Thank You’ from the bottom of my heart, thanks for the love and care you have shown to myself and James you are all very special people to me.
God Bless
Love
Joe x
