Streets can be safe again, pledge stars, as show remembers Rhys

Aug 16 2008 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

IT WAS a night that filled Liverpool’s Arena with more people than some of the world’s biggest superstars.

More than 8,000 people turned out last night for the Liverpool Unites Concert for Rhys Jones, in memory of the schoolboy murdered on his way home from football practice nearly a year ago.

Spice Girl Mel C led the famous faces lending their talents free of charge to raise money and awareness, including Jimmy Tarbuck, Tony Christie and Atomic Kitten Natasha Hamilton.

But the standing ovation was left for Rhys’s parents, Melanie and Stephen, who took to the stage at the end of the night.

Holding hands, they thanked everyone who had helped to make the night such a success.

“We would like to thank all the artists, performers and backstage people for such a great show, it was fantastic,” said Mr Jones.

He also thanked the crowd for their support. Mrs Jones wiped away tears as she was presented with a floral bouquet.

A mix of international, regional and community talent took to the stage last night, from chart topping popstars to the Croxteth Choir, comprised of friends and peers of the 11-year-old.

In between her three-song set, Mel C said: “This is a special night and everybody who’s here, taking part in the show or sitting out there or the people behind the scenes is doing a great thing.

“I think Liverpool coming together will begin a trend, and hopefully show the rest of the country we have all got to make a stand and make the streets safer for all children.

“What happened to Rhys never should have happened and should never happen again.”

She dedicated her song, Northern Star, to the schoolboy.

Former Brookside actress Sue Jenkins, mother of Richard Fleeshman, who also performed during the show, perhaps said it best when she said: “It is a great honour to be involved and to be part of this evening.

“I think I can say on behalf of everybody backstage and front of house that when we heard about this, there was nowhere else on August 15 we were going to be.”

Proceeds from the evening will go towards the Liverpool Unites fund, which is aiming to raise the money to build a community centre in Rhys’s name.

It turned out that youth and experience ruled the night, with some of the most impressive turns coming from sensational 14-year-old singer Izzy Feld, and A2AA, the young backing dancers of Britain’s Got Talent winner, Warrington’s George Sampson, who donated more than £2,000 they have made street dancing to the fund onstage.

Although the teenage dancer could not be at the show, he sent a video message saying he hoped to be invited to the completed community centre in future.

“I never met Rhys but he was a good kid, and, like me, he had big dreams,” he said.

The effortless talents of Barbara Dickson, who took to the stage with an acoustic guitarist for a beautiful rendition of Smile (Though Your Heart is Aching) and Wirral singer-songwriter Charlie Landsborough, who sang his Still Around were real highlights.

The audience were on their feet for Tony Christie, who sang his biggest hit Amarillo for a rousing finale with all the night’s artists.

As Jimmy Tarbuck put it: “It’s an honour to be here tonight, I’m just sorry about the circumstances.”

It was the sort of Liverpool night that you have to wonder would ever be possible anywhere else.

vickyanderson