2015 JBB was approached by long time supporter and friend, Tel, and asked if we would be interested in performing at a rugby event. Now of course the lads were more than happy to perform at any event and happily informed Tel to pass on their number to the event organisers. One phone call later, from Paul ‘Oggie’ Ogden and the band was booked.

Now fast forward ten years!

Yes this has been our tenth year supporting Masters Rugby National Festival which has been held each year at Stanley Park. Masters Rugby teams, from far and wide, travel to Stanley Park to play in multiple games of rugby and then following this squeeze themselves into a gazebo to relax, grab some food, have a drink (or several) and listen to music performed the Jack Burr Band way!

This year JBB had a few surprises for Masters…firstly the previous year was the last performance with Co-Founder Phil Burr at a Masters Festival. This meant that Paul Frankland would meet Masters and be greeted as only Masters know how to.

Our second surprise of the evening could be seen on the stage and was met with some intrigue. There was a keyboard placed next to Chris. Did this mean that Tony Scholes would be joining the band and not just performing at the bands Christmas party? No it did not! Chris had attended a gathering last month at a friend of the bands house, The Jones’s, and a discussion had been had in regards to their son and his amazing skills on the piano as a Jazz Musician. Tal Jones, in our opinion, is one of the greatest up and coming Jazz Musicians of this century and he has recently returned from London, following a competition where he beat thousands of people for his place, to learn from some of the current Jazz greats. Chris then asked a simple question, “Would he be willing to come down to Blackpool and perform with the band, playing their music, at the rugby festival?” In short, Yes! Tal joined the band for numerous songs through the first and second sets and Chris was quoted saying “his interpretation that he musically added to Another Brick in the Wall and Long Train Running were outstanding and really showed a very talented musician. Following this up with his own solo on House of the Rising Sun gave me goosebumps!”

Our third? Well not content with one new performer joining the band, Paul’s son, Maurice, has also been learning to play Bass Guitar (and is a far superior player than Chris) therefore the stage was set for Chris to step away from playing the bass and hand over the reigns to Maurice. Now this held a sentimental note as it is the first time that Father and Son have graced a stage together and performed as a band. Taking to the stage for Zombie, by The Cranberries. Now to add to this occasion Chris asked Masters if there was anyone who could sing the song and JBB was then joined by Anna Goddard, from Folly Lane Ladies Masters. This was a first for Anna as well as she had never sang live ever! What followed was a full gazebo of Masters singing the immortal lines “What’s in your head? In your head, Zombie”! An eruption of applause came at the end for Maurice followed by Masters showing their appreciation to their own performer from their ranks, Anna.

Did the surprises finish there? But of course not! Our fourth surprise was even a surprise to the band. Unknown to us Maurice had brought along his own drummer! So not only was Chris removed from Bass duties but now Paul was kicked from behind the drums and in stepped Ethan. Crazy by Gnarls Barkley was the chosen song. A quick google of the lyrics for Chris and the stage was set. Musically the song went amazingly and Masters showed their praise to two young performers perfecting their craft in front of hundreds of people.

Following this the band finished their first spot (which was a short 73 minutes). Oggie took to the microphone to inform all in attendance the next part of the day. Presentations, raffle and then back to the band.

Oggie would go on to make a few presentations including Female Player of the day and Best Tackle of the day to name a couple. Prizes handed out were official Rugby League Balls. Images from the presentation can be found below.

The stage was set for JBBs second set and immediately they were joined by Tal Jones for the opening three songs. At the end of these three songs Master showed their appreciation to Tal as he then packed up his keyboard and left the gazebo. JBB continued on for a blistering 95 minute second set spurred on by the remaining representatives of the day from Blackpool Masters, Blackpool Stanley Masters, Blackpool Belles, Wigan St Patricks and Siddal Masters. By the end of the set only few Masters remained. JBB gave a few shoutouts for a final goodbye only then to be asked by Oggie, before we were to exit for the night, would we serenade him. Oggie grabbed a chair and sat directly in front of Chris. JBB were happy to do this. Tel then joined Oggie and the stage was set. Andy started playing an opening riff that is unmistakable and JBB played George Michael’s Careless Whisper (Andy’s guilty pleasure song). Of course following this song the band played a few more and then ended the night. Ending the night with a further 37 minutes. In total over 3 hours of music played at the greatest festival JBB have ever had the pleasure to perform.

It has been an honour and a privilege to perform for the last ten years at this prestigious festival. An annual event that has grown in numbers year on year and holds many fond memories for the band. Thank you to all Masters for making this day special.

Quick Note From Visions By Design (Big Man)

It’s been an absolute pleasure to be part of the Blackpool Masters Rugby Festival since 2019. Being invited to share in the music, the camaraderie and the spirit of the rugby lads has been an incredible experience. Along the way, I’ve been lucky enough to capture and create some amazing memories, both for myself and for everyone who took part. I want to wish all those involved in the Masters the very best of luck, wherever the future may lead.

Thank You for the Support

A huge thank you to everyone who came out to support us on Friday, you did us proud. If you took any photos or videos, we’d love to see them!. Please share them with us; we’d be proud to feature them right here on our site and on our social media channels.

We’ve had a blast over the last TEN years!

Jack Burr Band (JBB)