Remembering Wigan musician Leon at charity gig

Celebrating Leon 2018 will be staged at the Pure club in Wigan town centre in memory of Orrell bassist and guitarist Leon Murphy.

Other music news: Wigan musician takes audiences on journey through local innerlandsLeon lost a long battle against a brain tumour in February 2017, aged just 29.

Two memorial gigs were held last year and they were so successful promoter Paul Maiden has decided to make them more regular events to raise cash for causes close to the hearts of Leon and his family.

The gig on April 7 will support Wigan organisation Helping the Homeless.

Paul also intends to make a £150 donation to The Engine Rooms, the Skelmersdale music venue where Leon worked.

His old band Bamboo Rampage will perform while other acts on the bill include punk and psychobilly influenced rockers The Adjusters, Serpico and Dumber.

Paul said: “Last year it was really successful so I had a chat with Leon’s family and we thought we would pick a charity each year.

“We didn’t want to support mainstream charities. I know the girls at Helping the Homeless. They are all volunteers and their track record is fantastic.

“A lot of people still ask about Leon and messages are put on the memorial page when someone covers one of his songs. People are still mourning for him.

“It’s shocking when somebody dies so young.

“Hopefully the gig will be a good celebration of his life.”

Paul says he hopes to match the figure of around £1,000 raised at last year’s memorial gig for Leon.

Doors will open at 4pm and the first part of the event will be suitable for children, with lots of members of Leon’s family hoping to attend.

The music will then step up in heaviness from around 9pm with live sets continuing until late.

Tickets are £4 in advance, available online or from Skin Graffiti Tattoo Studio or Static Records, or £5 on the night.

Find out more by searching for Celebrating Leon 2018 Helping the Homeless charity gig on Facebook.