Jon English was one of few Australian performers to combine a stellar career in music, television, and stage. For over four decades he remained one of this country’s most successful, loved, and enduring recording and performing artists.
Jon sadly and unexpectedly passed away in March 2016. He had been about to fly to Sweden to record a new album, and had a national tour booked for ‘The Rock Show Oz Edition’, the fourth installment of his hugely successful theatre rock shows, upon his return – including at Her Majesty’s in Adelaide.
Jon’s last ever performances were with his long time friend and musical cohort of 20 years, Peter Cupples, at the Adelaide Fringe Festival on 23 and 24 February 2016. On this, the first anniversary of his final live appearance, Adelaide remembers and celebrates the life of Jon English and pays tribute to the diverse and expansive career of an extraordinary man who over the course of his long professional life gave such joy and entertainment to so many.
From the early ‘70s in the demanding role of Judas in Australia’s first and enormously successful production of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’, to his Logie-winning performance as the convict Jonathan Garrett in the TV mini-series, ‘Against the Wind’, together with countless return seasons as the dashing Pirate King in ‘Pirates of Penzance’ and the lovable Bobby Rivers in the TV sitcom, ‘All Together Now’, Jon contributed immeasurably to the performing arts in so many genres.
With no less than 16 music albums to his credit as well, including the self penned rock opera ‘Paris’, any attempt to list his many achievements in this short space would only result in copious sins of omission. His hits included Turn the Page, Some People, Hollywood 7, Handbags and Gladrags, Six Ribbons, Words Are Not Enough, Get Your Love Right, Hot Town, Carmilla – just to name a few – and his industry accolades extended to multiple Logie, ARIA, TV Week, Countdown, RAM Magazine, Melbourne Critics Green Room, AFI, MO, and ACE awards.
Hosted by Peter Cupples (Stylus) and featuring Peter Deacon (Jon English and the Foster Brothers) on keys, and Adelaide’s Steve Todd on drums (both of whom performed with Jon in his last show), Rod Auld on guitar, and Deb Leaney and Amanda Canzurlo (‘Bloom’) on BV’s, plus performances from a raft of other Adelaide guest artists and musicians, including John Brewster (The Angels), John ‘Swanee’ Swan, Gail Page, Mick James (UK Blitz), Dino Jag, Graham Lawrence on sax, Virgil Reality on trumpet and flute, along with special guest Doug Williams (Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, James Brown) and many more, join with us as Adelaide remembers the life and music of a truly great Australian legend.
“Jon English was a one-off, a never to be repeated showbiz dynamo … we will never see the likes of him again.” Craig Bennett, Studio 10 showbiz reporter
Remember this legend by booking tickets from: arkabahotel.com.au or phone: 08 8338 1100
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