How it all started
“Rock Against Cancer” was an idea thought up by John “Grubby” Callis (sound engineer) Andy Scott (Sweet) and Richard Baulu of The Kings Arms, All Cannings in 2010, and after 2 years of planning we managed to launch the show back in 2012.
Our aim is to raise awareness and much needed funds for Cancer Charities and exceed the £50,000 target we set ourselves back in 2010. And also to make a large donation to local needs in and around All Cannings and the hope is that in the future they will be able to put different events on for local residents.
The last five years’ success was fantastic and we’ve managed to raise over £182,000 for the charities so far – thanks to you all and the wonderful support of the artists that came to the sleepy village of All Cannings.
Rock against Cancer founders – left to right: Richard, Grubby and Andy
If you were lucky enough to go to one, or really fortunate and got to go to all of the previous concerts, you’ll know what an exceptional event Concert at the Kings is. We have been privileged to have had some of the finest musicians join us, many of whom have truly shaped the course of music over the years.
Not many events can boast this many headline acts: Brian May, Roger Taylor, Jeff Beck, The Boomtown Rats with Bob Geldof, Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel, Squeeze, Wilko Johnson, Alison Moyet,Howard Jones, Big Country, Suzi Quatro, Lindisfarne, Animals and Friends, The Straits, Las Pacaminos with Paul Young, The Troggs, Mike and the Mechanics, Midge Ure, 10CC, The Sweet, The SAS Band with special guests, Patti Russo, Kerry Ellis, Benny Gallagher, Fish, Hamish Stuart, Chris Thompson, Gerry & the Pacemakers,The Fabbagirls, Kiki Dee, Madeline Bell, The Dave Kelly Blues Band, Tom Robinson, The Queen Extravaganza’s Marc Martel, Dr Feelgood, The Blues Band, Georgie Fame, John, Coghlan’s Quo, Marmalade, The Strawbs, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich, Drench, Meekin, Bad Sounds, Idelewood, The Greasy Slicks, Jake Meeking, Funkin Skunks, Nelly Bell, Verdisa, Invisible Vegas, Bite the Buffalo, Lauren Thalia.
Hosted by Bob Harris, Mike Read, Johnnie Walker and Dan Chisholm – and all playing on (mostly!) hot, sunny days in a small village in Wiltshire.
By purchasing a ticket to “Concert At The Kings” you are already making a donation to cancer charities and a big thanks to everyone who has shown their support by doing this. By purchasing any merchandise, food, drink and other items that will be available at the event, will also add to what we can donate to the charities and the area’s schools, churches and many more local causes.
John “Grubby” Callis and Andy Scott are still in the process of fighting prostate cancer so they both know more than most about how important this is to us all and to raise as much awareness as possible, We can make a change so please come and join us on another fantastic star-studded day.
A huge thanks to everyone who is supporting this event both near (All Cannings) and far (Scotland). You know who you are and Grubby, Andy and Richard hope to raise a glass in your honour come the big day.
We all know friends and family that have been affected by Cancer and realise the huge need for investment in research and support needed at this time and with all your help WE WILL BEAT THIS THING
Thank you once again and have a fun day
Grubby x, Richard and Andy.
