In the days of Batley Variety Club it was John who signed up the top acts of the day to perform to Yorkshire audiences in love with the legendary reputation of this once-great entertainment venue. Indeed at one time in its heyday this club was billed as the best club and cabaret venue this side of Las Vegas.
John, who was born in Holmfirth, lived in Slaithwaite for years, attended Colne Valley High School and worked locally for a short time, has been running the Now Music company for well over 20 years. His work includes managing the Northern-based band Smokie whose hits include Living Next Door To Alice, and who are still in great demand today.
He said: “Believe it or not Smokie are actually in higher demand now than ever, all over the world. Last year alone Smokie notched up 169 concert gigs, only 20 of which were in the UK. As their agent I sometimes travel with them but not always. One of the places I went with them mostly recently was to South Korea where the people were so friendly and made us so welcome.
“In recent times Smokie have appeared in venues including Oslo, Copenhagen, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, India, Turkey and are currently in Australia. Not bad for a group of Northern lads, many of whom spent time in the playground together at a school in Bradford.’’
He said: “Music has really dominated my life. While I was still at Colne Valley High School I was in a local band called The Sapphires. Later when I met my wife Sandra, we formed a duo called Vocal Aires and appeared on TV’s Opportunity Knocks and other talent shows.
“We used to regularly play Batley Variety Club but when our daughter Camille was born Sandra gave up singing to concentrate on the family. I started to book acts for local working men’s clubs and got involved in booking big names for Batley, including Shirley Bassey, Cliff Richard, The Drifters and The Stylistics.’’
“Five of us were working together at Batley Variety Club but I wanted to do things my way and so branched out on my own into the world of pop and records.
“I formed the Flair Theatrical Agency and took on Black Lace who were to become huge with hits like Superman and Agadoo, all signed up to Flair Records.
“After Black Lace, I took on Smokie and still manage them today. We’ve had some great times, touring in this country and abroad. One of the most memorable dates was when Smokie performed for President Putin in Russia (apparently they’re his favourite band) at a New Year’s Eve bash at the Kremlin.”
A couple of years ago during a tour in Russia, the temperatures dropped as low as minus 28 deg C and it was so cold the sea froze over.
After giving away the Flair agency to his nephew, John went on to create Now Music (created from the phrase North of Watford).
“I was fed up of hearing people say that nothing ever happened North of Watford so I set out to do my bit to change all that.
“The biggest concert I’ve been involved with was in Kiev when 250,000 people attended. We’ve done some weird things in our time, including floating on a massive ice block in Greenland while being filmed for local TV.”
John is always keen to bring acts to Huddersfield. “It’s a rock’ ‘n roll town and people here love their music.’’ In more recent times John has become involved with the Pink Floyd tribute band Off The Wall and seen them enjoy remarkable success.
“They appeared at Huddersfield Town Hall quite recently and went down a storm. Now they can’t get enough dates across Europe.’’
Although music continues to dominate his life, John can rest up a bit during January until the ‘season’ starts again and runs from February right through to December. Although his daughter Camille works with him in the business, life is still hectic.
“I’ve been amazed really how well the tribute band is doing and Smokie continue to delight audience’s everywhere. For a time I also worked with The Drifters and brought them to the Town Hall in Huddersfield on many occasions, always playing to packed houses.’
John is also involved in music publishing and record companies but his main aim is to nurture new and established artists.
January is fast approaching, bring a well earned for the music man from Huddersfield!
Published Winter 2006. All information correct at time of print
Holmfirth-born John Wagstaff is a lucky man!
