Another successful event courtesy of BASCA at their 42nd annual Gold Badge Awards ceremony at the Savoy today. The Musicians’ Union had chosen musician, writer, broadcaster and campaigner Tom Robinson to be the recipient of their sponsored award this year and I was delighted to act as host for Tom and his partner Sue on our table.
On the neighbouring table it was great to see the legendary Peter Gabriel to whom a Gold Badge was presented in association with PPL. Also amongst those receiving this prestigious honour this year, were the charming Level 42 bassist Mark King (whose award was presented in association with BMI), orchestral arranger Del Newman, conductor Iain Sutherland and the highly-respected jazz vocalist Norma Winstone MBE.
The event was compered impeccably, as ever, by Guy Fletcher OBE and the proceedings accompanied by the immaculate Brian Dee Trio. It was a pleasure to meet further recipients Kim Wilde and Leo Sayer, plus catch up with journalist Chris Welch, Songlink’s David Stark, PPL’s Jonathan Morrish and to enjoy the company of John Smith, Horace Trubridge, David Ashley, Kathy Dyson, Dave Lee, Rick Finlay and Ben Jones for dinner.
Afterwards I dropped in at the Crazy Coqs venue off Piccadilly Circus to catch Frances Ruffelle for the review performance of her five night residency performing tracks from her new album ‘On my own.’ My thanks to PR Sue Harris for the invitation and hospitality.
