Jools Holland OBE DL Appointed As A Patron And Supporter Of The Renaissance Of Portsmouth Guildhall By The Guildhall Trust
The Guildhall Trust is delighted to announce that composer, pianist, bandleader and broadcaster, Jools Holland OBE DL is to join the Trust as a Patron and advocate for the Renaissance of Portsmouth Guildhall.
As a regular performer at Portsmouth Guildhall, Jools was keen to offer his support to the Trust’s ambitious Renaissance programme of renovation and restoration which will support the Trust’s vision to become one of leading cultural organisations in the country; inspiring, entertaining and transforming lives. To be completed in two phases over the coming years, Renaissance will create a welcoming and accessible hub for the community and provide improved customer facilities, backstage areas and dynamic social spaces.
After starting out playing pubs in the East End docks, Jools Holland went on to lead his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra and sell millions of records worldwide. He was an original member of the band ‘Squeeze’ and he has worked with many artists, including Sting, Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, George Harrison, David Gilmour, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Florence Welch, Paul Weller, Van Morrison, Tom Jones and Bono. He was awarded an OBE in 2003 for his services to the British music industry.
His TV credits include, Later… with Jools Holland, currently in its 54th series, The Tube, Night Music, The Happening and Beat Route, as well as filming twenty-six Hootenanny shows as part of the annual New Year’s Eve specular. He also regularly hosts the weekly programme, Jools Holland, on BBC Radio 2, which is a mix of live and recorded music and features studio guests, along with members of his orchestra.
Jools Holland said, “I have played at Portsmouth Guildhall with my Rhythm & Blues Orchestra for many years and am delighted to be returning in 2019. I know the venue very well and can see the potential this redevelopment, the Renaissance project, will bring. For a building like this to become sustainable and attract top musical talent it needs investment. I am proud to support The Guildhall Trust who are dedicated in their ambition and lend my name to its transformation.”
The latest supporter of the Guildhall’s ‘Time To Make It Happen campaign’, Jools joins an impressive list of Patrons offering their support including Joanna Lumley OBE, Musical Director of Queen; Spike Edney, Level 42’s Mark King, President of the Royal Academy; Christopher Le Brun and CEO of Southern Coop; Mark Smith.
Members of the public are urged to demonstrate their passion for Portsmouth Guildhall and its future by adding their name to a growing list of supporters of Renaissance online at www.portsmouthguildhall.org.uk or in person at the Box Office. #TimeToMakeItHappen #SupportYourGuildhall