Following an hours VIP reception in the ‘Pump Room’ of the Palace Hotel in Manchester, Joe entered the Grand Room amidst a specially arranged overture by his devoted musicians. Looking impossibly well and glowing with charisma the adoring audience gravitated with an endless ovation as he took to the podium to welcome his subjects.

At the helm of proceedings was a fervent Peter Price, who introduced the many tributes from fellow performers and messages from notables unable to attend. Tributes both on and off the podium were; The widow of Sammy Davis Jr, The Lord Mayor of Hull, Don Black, Johnnie Casson, Mike Reid, Liz Dawn, Guy Lucas (Joe’s surgeon), Freddie Starr, Cannon and Ball, Ricky Tomlinson, Barbara Windsor, Roy Chubby Brown, Engelbert Humperdinck, Lord Archer and the Deputy Prime Minister.

Joe looked on in amazement as tribute was paid by the speakers unable to contain their love and affection for this splendid man. Liz Dawn remarked “The best thing about this evening is that you are well”. Guy Lucas, who had been responsible for Joe’s treatment in 2005 drew the largest ovation as he recounted Joe’s critical condition during the weeks after the transplant. Perhaps the most poignant moment came when Engelbert Humperdinck confirmed what the rest of us have known for some time. “Joe, you are totally amazing. You are best talent this country has produced. God bless you, my friend”.

The salutes were followed by a twelve minute film covering Joe’s remarkable lifestory. Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown said ‘By the time the film concluded there wasn’t a dry eye in the house, even the wallpaper was crying. It is incredible what this man has been through. He is our hero”. As the ovation conceded Joe stepped up to the podium to receive his award. As one would expect the emphasis of his words was in support of the children that this magnificent charity tirelessly work to assist. “It has been a real honour. Let’s keep the Variety Club strong”, he said. “This is one award that won’t be auctioned on eBay”.

A key part of Variety Club tributes are the auctions. Tonight’s event was no exception with Lord Archer overseeing the activities. Items kindly given for auction ranged from a double gold disc presentation, a £3000 diamond encrusted watch to a behind the scenes trip to the set of Eastenders. The Variety Club was elated to find that we had raised the highest amount on record for an auction of this kind.

With P.J. Proby unable to attend, a young singer, Victor Michael, stepped into the spotlight and delivered a ballad of operatic tributes which met with great ovation from the crowd.

It had been almost six hours since the tribute began and Joe had thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Although, slightly the worse for wear he still elected to perform. Consistently apologetic, Joe sang five songs culminating with Matt Monro’s ‘If I Never Sing Another Song’ as tribute to Matt Monro Jnr who sat amongst the audience.

The lifetime achievement award is the most coveted award in showbusiness. Joe Longthorne is now deservedly listed amongst a barrage of the worlds greatest performers; Sinatra, Bassey, Garland et al. Recognised by his peers as a world class performer and with health issues now behind him, Joe has a new lease of life. The industry stands ready for ‘Mr Entertainment’ to single-handedly rescue us from the current onslaught of reality based production and deliver us to a new age of variety.

Congratulations to this most deserving recipient.


Due to an exclusive deal with OK Magazine we are unable to release pictures of the event until they are published in a forthcoming issue. We hope to have a big selection of images over the next few weeks.


To read the Manchester Evening News' review please click here





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