A popular musician in Melksham is due to perform one last gig in the town before retiring after 30 years on the road.
Antigua Joe, who plays Caribbean music covers, will perform a farewell gig at the Littlebrook Centre, outside Antico Caffe, on Saturday 13th December.
“I have been on the road for 30 years and now I am nearly 75 years old. It is time to hang up my microphone and start to enjoy life a bit more,” he said.
Antigua Joe has played in Melksham since 2013, performing at the Littlebrook Centre around 20 times and in several local pubs and hotels. He now lives in Dorset and is taking time to rest.
He said, “I will always have a soft spot for Melksham. I would never say that I will never play here again; I can never tell what might happen. Someone might offer me another gig, but for now, I need a long rest to rechill, re-vibe and reverberate myself again.”
Antigua Joe performs covers of songs by Caribbean stars in his own style and has 400 songs in his repertoire.
He said, “It has been a lovely job to see people happy, dancing, singing along to the songs that I play. I have sung songs that people have never heard of, but also songs people love. I do about 19 to 20 songs of Bob Marley alone. I don’t try to copy anybody; I do the songs in my own Antigua Joe way, in my own style.”
His career in the area began in Trowbridge, where he busked for several years. However, after someone complained to the council about his music, Antigua Joe left the town. After posting to his Facebook page about leaving Trowbridge, Melksham photographer Andy York invited him to perform in the town instead.
He said, “I thought, why not. I was very well received in Melksham and had several gigs here. Andy has always been my mentor and very good friend.”
One of Antigua Joe’s highlights in Melksham was winning the ‘Best Music Float’ in the carnival in 2013. He said, “I still have the trophy that I was given. That was memorable for me.”
“I still love coming to Melksham. I have loads of friends here, but it is time to retire.”
Antigua Joe’s final gig in Melksham will be held on Saturday 13th December from 12pm at the Littlebrook Centre. Admission is free.
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