Legends pull in the punters (From Gazette & Herald)

Legends pull in the punters

BOX office records have been smashed by two music legends headlining a weekend of gigs in a North Yorkshire forest.

"Modfather" Paul Weller, former frontman of the Jam, is expected to play at Dalby Forest, near Pickering, before a sell-out 4,500 crowd on June 19, with 90 per cent of tickets already sold.

Bryan Ferry, former Roxy Music leader and the "godfather of style", is also well ahead of schedule for a bumper turnout the following night, Sunday June 20.

The news from the Forestry Commission comes after a reader's poll in the influential Q Magazine rated the gig by Jarvis Cocker and Pulp in Dalby two years ago as one of the top 100 concerts of all time.

The concert beat off such mega-events as David Bowie's performance at Madison Square Gardens to claim 54th slot.

"The poll reflects the magical atmosphere created at Dalby," said organiser Paul Cody, from the Forestry Commission. "And some pundits reckon last year's Status Quo gig was on a par with Pulp.

"Tickets sales this year are excellent and Weller will certainly be our first sell-out event. That will produce a spin off for local businesses throughout the area."

Violin duo Duel have signed up to support Ferry.

Former music students Craig Owen and Greg Scott toured northern towns, including Harrogate and York, busking to raise cash for their studies. They were spotted by music guru Pete Waterman, which led to a record deal.

Tickets cost £26 for Weller and £24 for Ferry. They can be booked by calling 01842 814612, from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Fridays, and 9am to noon on Saturdays.

They are also available from Dalby Forest Visitor Centre, phone 01751 460378, the Forestry Commission office, phone 01751 472771, and from tourist information centres in Pickering and Scarborough.

Updated: 09:34 Saturday, May 08, 2004