University celebrates Reading music legend Geoff Goddard

Thursday, 23 May 2013

The University is celebrating Reading-born musician and song-writer Geoff Goddard with a special concert, Celebrating the sounds of the 60s - A tribute to Geoff Goddard, on Friday 31 May.

Former BBC Radio 1 DJ Mike Read will compere this tribute to Geoff who, following his successful music career, worked in the University's catering department for over 20 years, before his untimely death in 2000.

The audience is in for a special treat as Geoff's biggest hits will be performed by the original artists. John Leyton, who sung Johnny Remember Me, and Mike Berry who sung a Tribute to Buddy Holly, will perform live in the University's students' union.

Earlier in the day the University will celebrate Geoff's musical achievements and his service to Reading by unveiling a special plaque on the wall of Park House where he worked.

Friend and fervent admirer, Emeritus Professor Jim Knowlson, said: "Geoff Goddard was a strange, shy, modest man. But he was an undoubted star. He needed no music: you asked him for something, he played it. Usually he played for nothing, as he did at my retirement dinner.

"During his time working at the University of Reading, trained as he was at the Royal Academy of Music, Geoff often played the piano at special Christmas lunches in the Orange Room and at parties in the Senior Common Room.

"But I also knew him (as Britain and the rest of Europe did) as a prolific, leading British composer with several big hits and many memorable songs, until he turned his back on the music industry in 1967. This concert, with the original recording artists singing live, promises to be a special, memorable evening for this local composer.

"Geoff worked with the legendary independent producer Joe Meek and his songs encapsulated the pre-Beatles early sixties. They included a no. 1 and a no. 2 (both recorded by John Leyton) and were in the UK music charts for weeks on end. Few songwriters could match his achievements, especially over so short a time period. John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Burt Bacharach, Elton John, and Phil Spector are among the select few."

John Leyton, who starred in the film The Great Escape, said: "It's wonderful that the University is honouring Geoff and I'm very much looking forward to coming to the Whiteknights campus. I owe an enormous amount to Geoff. He was a lovely man and I have very fond memories of our time together. He wrote all my hits and was a massive influence on my music career."

Vice-Chancellor, Sir David Bell, added: "We are delighted to be celebrating Geoff Goddard's contribution to music, and indeed his considerable service to the University."

Celebrating the sounds of the 60s - A tribute to Geoff Goddard, performed live by John Leyton and Mike Berry, Supported by The Outlaws, compered by Mike Read, will take place on Friday 31 May in Reading University Students' Union's nightclub 3sixty on the Whiteknights campus.

Doors open at 7.00pm, concert starts at 8.00pm. Tickets: £15/£10 (concessions) available in advance online via the University store.

Find out more about the University’s Celebration of Arts and Culture this June >>>