"A night never to be forgotten"

Fans from across Europe travelled to Welshpool on Saturday to watch the curtain come down on a Welshpool-born musician’s illustrious career.

A packed Town Hall witnessed music history as Michael Jones took his fans on a musical journey from 60 years in the industry.

Michael made a name for himself after leaving Welshpool for France as a teenager where he became a household name, and his fans had travelled in to join the Welshpool crowd on what one MyWelshpool reader described as “a night never to be forgotten”.

It was the town’s biggest night of music since former Housemartins and Beautiful South singer Paul Heaton played a memorable two-hour gig at the Royal Oak back in 2012 as part of his cycling tour of the UK to raise the profile of small live music venues.

Local entertainer and historian Alan Crowe (who took the photo) said: “What a privilege it was to be in the audience at Welshpool Town Hall to witness a piece of not only local history but French pop/rock music history, when Welshpool born and now a top star in France Michael played his last ever live gig where it all began for him 60 years ago.

“Apart from local fans and friends, the audience included fans of Michael’s who had travelled not only from all parts of the UK but also France, Belgium, Switzerland & Germany. A great boost for the local economy as well as being a memory to cherish forever.”