It is with great regret that we announce the death of John Doonan on Friday 8th March 2002. The family and friends of John have stated their wish that the show goes ahead as planned as both a Celebration and a Tribute to John and his outstanding achievements. For over half a century, John has had the magic ability to pull a piccolo or penny whistle out of his pocket and set everyone dancing. Part of the very foundation of his home town Hebburn, John's legacy is music, happy music that has spread around the world. His children and grandchildren, friends and those who have never met him, got the John Doonan bug for great 'family' music. John has spent five decades travelling around the globe blowing into a hollow tube and making thousands of people very, happy.

Join his family and pals in music on Sunday 10th March for this Celebration which includes The Doonan Family featuring Northeast folk luminary, Phil Murray, special guests Martin Carthy, Archie Fisher, Maxie, Jim Iriving, BBC Folk Band Of The Year 2002 nominees, TARRAS and many, many more.

I had already bought tickets and was shocked at John's passing and wondered how the night would actually go.

I need n't have worried.... The John Doonan Celebration Concert Sunday 10th March 2002

With almost 800 people, the curtain went up on time at 7.30pm. Local musician and family friend, Jed Grimes went forward to make sure that everyone was aware of what had happened and the determination that this was going to be a very special night in tribute to John. Maxie was next up as compare and stage sweeper to introduce the Doonan Family Band who are Michael and Kevin Doonan, Stu Luckley and northeast folk luminary, Phil Murray. This was the first of three sets from the band which included songs such as "The Black Leg Miner", "The Miners Wife", "Something Inside" and a chance for the dancers to cause a stir with "Big Kerry Reel" Talking of the dancers, they were superb. Many are members of the wider Doonan Family and they really were impressive. Irish dancing of this high standard outside of Ireland is truly remarkable. But there was more with the Three Old Boilers showing us some cracking Appalachian Dancing to hoots and whoops from the admiring crowd. The first of the night's special guests was the excellent and highly respected folk singer, Archie Fisher. With first class sound, Archie sang five songs including, "Border Lands", "Ontario Dust", "Take It Easy" and "Broom Of Cowden Knowles". The crowd warmly appreciated it! Back on with the Doonan Family Band and in turn they introduced more guests for a song. Phil's brother, Jimmy Murray did a superb rendition of "Champion, He Was A Dandy" the humorous story of a fighting dog. Next up it was Bob Fox who has become renowned for his folk singing throughout Britain and around the world. Bob did "Bonny Gateshead Lass", which was the main inspiration behind d his acclaimed album, "Nowt So Good'll Pass". John's son, John Jnr., was next to join the band and the Doonan pedigree was much in evidence as soon as he started to sing. Jed grimes came back on to play and sing, then more brilliant dancing in front of the band. band. Break time.There was a clear Irish influence on the night, the bars were packed! Curtain up on part 2. Getting us well underway, Tarras did three fantastic numbers including the self-penned, "Rising" and "Arizona", finishing with a rousing melody of "Riverdance Reels". Bye the way, Tarras feature the sons of Jimmy and Phil Murray. John's granddaughter, Rosie was next up to sing her own song, "Another Day" which she accompanied on the keyboards, great stuff!I think she will be a very succesful singer in the future. It was fabulous to see the world renowned Martin Carthy take to the stage. Martin has been close friends with the Doonans for many decades and was did not hesitate in accepting the invitation to appear. Songs covered by Martin included, "The Doffing Mistress", "Georgie" and "Heather Down The Moor" plus a cracking instrumental (on the guitar), "Princess Royal". The Doonan Family Band rightly closed the night with a set of songs that also featured another very famous name in folk music, The Elliott's of Birtley. With a mic in the box, together they showed their affinity with John Doonan for Socialist principles. A very special moment. The night ended with the stage packed with musicians and dancers to rapturous applause from a very enthusiastic crowd. Yes the emotions were high, but so was the quality of the show. This was music and dancing at its very best and very uplifting. A fitting tribute to the memory of John Doonan, a man who had given so much to people and music.

John Doonan gone but not forgotten.