Mel C performing at the Philharmonic _320
TAKE a former Spice Girl, an Atomic Kitten and some of Liverpool’s biggest stars of stage, radio and the small screen, and you have the line-up of this week’s special concert dedicated to the memory of murdered schoolboy Rhys Jones.
Liverpool Unites: A Concert for Rhys is a charity event taking place at the Echo Arena on Friday night to raise money for a memorial fund in his name.
Acts include Mel C, Natasha Hamilton, Richard Fleeshman, Eton Road, Barbara Dickson and Tony Christie, who are all giving their time for free.
Although not a local, Yorkshireman Christie signed up after hearing the 11-year-old was a big fan of his number one hit (Is This The Way To) Amarillo?
The Merseyside Police Band, Charlie Landsborough and The Christians are just some of the established names providing the music, while entertainers including Jimmy Tarbuck and Stan Boardman will provide the laughs Rhys’s parents say he would have loved.
Stars of Brookside and Coronation Street, includ- ing Michael Starke, Dean Sullivan, Sue Jenkins and Tina Malone will be guest comperes throughout the evening.
Tony Christie said: "When the organisers approached me about doing this, I was thrilled.
"I have followed the stories about Rhys in the newspapers. The organisers said Amarillo was one of his favourite songs, so it seemed very fitting that we finish the show with it.
"I hope it will help raise lots of money for such a great cause. Charity concerts are always special and this one will be great."
The idea for the community concert came from two friends of the Jones family, Kate Mayers and Sarah Dought, who wanted to do something spectacular to remember Rhys.
Lyn Staunton, from Power Promotions, which is staging the evening, said: "All acts have given up their time for free to promote this fantastic cause, and we are proud to help raise money to ensure that the community centre in the name of Rhys Jones will be built, support Liverpool Unites and stand proudly against gun crime."
Melanie and Stephen Jones, Rhys's parents, said: "We know it is going to be a really good night.
"To see people and performers of such professionalism, and such big names, give up their time to help the cause is just great. There is something for everyone on the bill.
"We’re excited about seeing some people and know our friends can't wait.
"It's good there are not just singers and bands but comedians as well because that's what Rhys was all about. He loved a laugh and we're sure he would have loved this night. We want as many people to come and join us on the night as possible. It will be a special way to mark Rhys's life."
The Liverpool Unites campaign is currently raising money for the Rhys Jones memorial fund, which hopes to raise enough to build a community centre in honour of the 11-year-old, who was shot dead one year ago this month, on the Croxteth Park estate where he grew up.’’
