What to say? This was a fantastic night. EVERYBODY played and sang wonderfully. The hall we all performed in was as packed as a sardine can with people who were having a ball.
The best way for this gig's raison d’être to be summed up has to be in Martin's own words. Here they are.
Hi everyone. My name is Martin Cox and I was one of the founder members of EKone some 23 years ago. EKone is a bit more than a soul/funk band. It literally is like a family and through the years and various line-ups will always be part of my life.
I am fortunate in playing with the band whenever I want to after leaving some 10 years ago. I think that is a thing that has evolved over the years. The point is friendship and the joy of playing with great musicians.
I play saxophone and in January 2006 was diagnosed with prostate cancer. It was an awful blow to me and my family and throughout my four week stay in hospital the whole band were there for me texting me and visiting me. It was a great support for my family as well as myself.
When I left hospital, I was in a wheelchair and was given a life expectancy of three months to a year. I was discharged on February 27th 2007 with a fight on my hands but by April 13th the band had organised a charity benefit gig along with other friends and I was on the bill. I played about 29 minutes to my own backing tracks sitting down and then I joined the band towards the end of their set. It was a magical night for me and a sell-out. We all raised a staggering £2,800. The feedback from people was amazing and people said that we would all have to do another one. I then thought to myself that I don’t really know what the future holds but put it to the back of my mind.
Well we are a year down the line now. I have responded to the treatments. I can walk now and have done quite a lot of gigging with this wonderful band. In short I would say that this has been my medicine.
On Saturday 19th January 2008, EKone and myself carried out another benefit gig for the Pilgrims Hospice. It was named ‘Thank You!’ and it was our way of thanking everyone for their support on the first one and for my part to say thank you for all the support over the year. Along with EKone we had three other acts. On The Run, Two Bro and Luke Jackson. It was a great night, each band making their stamp on the evening with their brand of music. Yes - It was another sell-out and I think what made it so special was that there were other bands on and it gave the audience a full evening of quality entertainment. We had Phil Moore as the MC. Phil used to come to the gigs in the early days and here he was still being actively involved in what the night was about. I can’t thank all the musicians and friends enough for making this night so wonderful and raising £3,895 for the hospice. There is a recording of this night which has made the event even more spectactular which will be availble to everyone.
My love and thanks to everyone who was involved and let’s hope in the future we can do this again.
Martin Cox
Saturday 26th January 2008
