After half a century in the music business, Philip Guy Davis is to play his last gig at a special show at Oxford's Jericho Tavern

With his mane of silver hair and loops of silver jewellery, Philip Guy Davis is among Oxford’s best known faces.

But after half a century in the music industry, the promoter and former venue owner has decided to hang up his microphone and retire from showbiz.

Known affectionately as ‘Silver Phil’, the 78-year-old has a career which has become the stuff of legends – running clubs in Cheltenham, London and Spain, and hanging out with a youthful Bridget Bardot, Rolling Stone Brian Jones and the beau monde of the Swinging Sixties.

Along the way he has had run-ins with the Mafia, dalliances with Playboy Club Bunny Girls, lived the high life on the French Riviera, and became good friends with giants of the Texas blues scene.

He is best known in Oxford, however, for running the country’s longest running international live music night – the Famous Monday Blues.

Initially housed at the Red Lion in Gloucester Green,Philip Guy Davis with Geoff Achison and the Souldiggers at the Bullingdon Arms, Cowley this showcase of British, American and European blues and rock talent has outlived all its competitors.

Taken over by Philip 14 years ago, it has shifted to Jongleurs, The Bullingdon, and latterly to the Jericho Tavern – just up the road from his house in Walton Street.

Along the way it has acquired a loyal fanbase, not just among punters, but among the musicians themselves, many of whom come back year after year.

However, ill health, including ongoing heart problems, have forced Philip to call it a day.

This Monday will be his last gig, with friends and artists gathering to celebrate an extraordinary 50 years of live music.

“I’m very proud of the Famous Monday Blues,” says Philip. “I have done this all over the world but it’s been wonderful to have been able to bring it to Oxford and share the enjoyment.

“I am very sad to be leaving it behind but I’m too ill to carry on.”

The night features raucous blues-rockers Never The Bride, whose collaborations have included Shirley Bassey. “People are making a bit of a noise about it, which is nice,” he adds. “I’ve had a lot of messages of support from friends.

“If what I’ve done here has given people pleasure, then that’s great.”

He hoped someone would step in to save the weekly blues night.

CHECK IT OUT
The Famous Monday Blues takes place at the Jericho Tavern, Walton Street. 
Tickets are £12 from wegottickets.com

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