FOLLOW THAT DREAM  12th January 2024

Upon returning from Memphis today I received the awful news that our dear friend and acclaimed author Trevor Simpson had passed away just a few hours earlier. . I first met Trevor ten years ago at an Elvis event. You know that feeling when you meet someone and you feel that you have known them all your life. It was also the start of a great working relationship too. We worked together on many great Elvis events the last being September 30th last year in conjunction with the radio station he worked for’ Calderdale Radio. Yes he was a great DJ too and his knowledge of music, not just Elvis was second to none. His weekly radio show was listened to by people all over the world. Always an interesting programme and again brought many listeners and fans together. Of course knowing Trevor, Elvis would always feature in some way. 

Trevor introduced me through his programme to Tamar Springer , daughter of famous songwriter Philip Springer. Tamar was working on a documentary about her father and we met in Memphis through Trevor, where she interviewed me for the documentary. Filmed several appearances and featured myself and The Persuaders in the American Doc’ all thanks to Trevor. 

Trevor was a huge football fan and became a fine and well respected referee, at one point even showing the great Paul (Gazza) Gascoigne off the pitch. Trevor met and knew many celebrities throughout his life but  will be best known in the Elvis world for his books for the FTD [Follow That Dream] label and Elvis Presley Enterprises. He wrote several books and every one a best seller. The best of British series’ His Songs of Praise series and much much more. Each one delivered with great knowledge as you would expect, bringing us some fantastic info regarding Elvis and his life and music never known before. Every time I visited Memphis I would go into the stores at Graceland and take photos of his books and send them to him. He was thrilled. I’d say look pal only 15 left. Only 4 here mate. Last week I did the same, only this time they were all gone. My heart kinda skipped by knowing how poorly Trevor was but at the same time thinking well pal you even sell-out at Graceland too. 

I last spoke with Trevor on Jan 2 the day before I left and said I would get round to see him on my immediate return, also I would write his name on the Graceland wall and send him the pics. He was thrilled. I called him while I was away and spoke with Denise who informed me he had deteriorated and was sleeping. I sent her the pics and she thanked me and said they will cheer him up. I have  spoken with Denise and he loved them. Trevor also wrote for several Elvis magazines. His articles in the Essential Elvis magazine really were Essential reading. He continued writing for many great publications all over the world and more recently the flaming star fan club mag for his friend and Elvis book writer Pal Granlund. Trevor had the most amazing collection of Elvis demos and often played me some great Elvis songs by other artistes whenever I would visit him and Denise. 

Trevor recently compiled a collection of demos recorded by PJ Proby and released them on an album on Bear Family Records. We were sat together talking and said the only problem was he couldn’t think of a title for the album. I suggested PJ Proby Presley Style ? He loved it and put it to Jim Proby. He loved it too.  We are awaiting news on another release from Bear Family Records that Trevor was thrilled to be working on. Trevor and Denise also introduced us to Freddie and The Dreamers original Guitarist’ The late Derek Quinn and his lovely wife Jackie. We met at a Gospel show Trevor had booked me for in his hometown of Ripponden and as they say the rest is history. 

As mentioned Trevor was a great DJ and often joined our mutual friend John Kavanagh on his Elvis Memories Radio show. With his vast knowledge of Everything Elvis’ every show was a joy to listen to creating special memories for us all. Trevor was also a big part of the Elvis Event Blackpool Rocks with our good buddy Phil Shakespeare , again presenting a unique show on Elvis connections. Even up until recently Trevor was working on Blackpool Rocks 2024.  So impressed with last year, Trevor was going to be invited to Elvis Week at Hemsby to continue to spread the word of his vast Elvis knowledge. Trevor was one of the strongest men I ever met and I have to say having spoken with Denise she too is a strong person and knows how much Trevor is loved and Like Elvis touched so many lives. 

Jeff' Martin' Paul' John' Sarahlea and I send our sincere heartfelt love and condolences to Denise, their Daughters Kathryn and Heather and all the family and everyone who knew and loved Trevor. Rest in Peace dear friend. You will live on through your family and friends not forgetting your many fans who loved and respected you as a great person. Your legacy will continue to TCB. Until we meet again God Bless You, We are all better off by you following your dream. RIP DEAR FRIEND. xxxx 

TO LEARN MORE ON TREVOR' SEE VIDEO ON THE RIGHT !

THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT 20th December 2023

Hi' The Christmas Spirit was definitely in the building last week when it was time to perform my 'WONDERFUL WORLD OF CHRISTMAS SHOW' at St Martins Church in Sale Manchester UK. I'm very pleased to say as always it was SOLD OUT and such a great night of Elvis Christmas and Gospel Songs and a few festive hits by others. Well if you missed it or were there and want to relive it all again' well you can right here. CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO WATCH IT. Next years show will be held once again at St Martins Church on the 12th December.      COLIN PAUL'S CHRISTMAS SHOW  

Also checkout my brand new Christmas song... CHRISTMAS MAGIC. Written by Geoff Taggart and Toni West. There is a great fun video that goes with it and it will take you straight back to your childhood. Its been a big hit these past few weeks with lots of plays on the Radio world wide and at many Rock n Roll events up and down the UK.  IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS....ENJOY.         CHRISTMAS MAGIC - COLIN PAUL 

HOME FOR CHRISTMAS 18th December 2023

Hello everyone and hope your all ready for Christmas by now. It's certainly been a hectic few months and I'm now chilling with the family on my Christmas break. update on Jeff. He would like to thank you all for your kind words during the tough time he has had with his health these past few months, Although not back to feeling 100% just yet he is certainly feeling much better and appreciates you all reaching out and wishing him well. As previously mentioned Jeff has been getting out and about with his partner Karen and has turned up at several gigs recently.  He said it has done him the world of good and cant wait to get back playing again. We have missed you Jeff and cant wait either.

The Persuaders Next Gig is at Hampton Road Caravan Park in Blackpool on Friday 26th January followed by our SOLD OUT Show at The Cavern on Sunday 28th January. SEE EVENTS PAGE FOR ALL GIG UPDATES AND DETAILS. 

I have had some great gigs also these past few weeks namely our Billy Fury wkd in Blackpool and BTH School for It's Only Rock 'n' Roll Club' Both with The Persuaders. Also my Solo Gigs at The Kings Ransom in Sale [3 MORE GIGS HAVE BEEN ADDED TO NEXT YEARS EVENTS PAGE AT THE RANSOM] It's a great atmosphere and the food is amazing. Also some great Christmas gigs at The Festival Inn' Nottingham'' The Savoy Hotel' Skegness and last night Sunday 17th in Kettering at The Rockin' Lounge with Top Rock 'n' Roll Band Rockin' em. We played a two set Elvis Rock 'n' Roll show and it was FAB. Plans are in place to do this again, so more Details when we have them. Rockin' em are a great family band and it's an absolute pleasure to work with them.