A CHARITY concert to celebrate 40 years of Newport’s legendary music venue, TJ’s, and its late owner, John Sicolo, will take place in the spring.

The event, being organised by Mr Sicolo’s daughter, Leanne Jones, is planned for Saturday, March 10 – a day after what would have been her dad’s 68th birthday.

Mrs Jones was inspired to organise The Official TJ’s Reunion at Stow Hill’s Six Feet Under Club after being urged by several bands and ex-customers.

She now hopes it will become an annual event, following the successful TJ’s in the Square in 2010 and the TJ’s float at this year’s Pill Carnival.

She said: “My father always said ‘as one door closes another one opens’, and with TJ’s gone that’s that door closed, but hopefully this is another one opening.

“Dad used to help a lot of charities and wouldn’t say no to anyone.

He gave everyone a chance and he was loved and respected by everyone, especially the people of Newport.”

Bands already lined up to perform are Newport rappers Goldie Lookin Chain, Ska band 2 Rude and others including Dirty Goods, The Decoy and Las Vegas Elvis.

There will also be a marquee and DJ sets, and DVDs featuring Mr Sicolo will be played throughout the event, which is from 3pm until late.

Tickets cost £3 with proceeds going to an as yet unnamed charity.

They will be available from the first week of January at Kriminal Records, Diverse Music and at wegottickets.- com Anyone aged over 13 is welcome but youngsters must be accompanied by an adult.

A cradle for the famous

TJ’s was famed as a starting place for many world-famous bands including Oasis, the Manic Street Preachers and Primal Scream.

Mr Sicolo died suddenly following a knee operation in March 2010 and the family was no longer able to continue the business.

It was sold at auction earlier this year with plans to turn it into a restaurant with flats above.