A GUITARIST who started his career on Aberystwyth promenade’s old bandstand stage 53 years ago, has returned to the seaside town on his 75th birthday to see its new building.

John Anthony, who took to the old bandstand stage in May 1963 as the resident guitarist with the famous BBC Radio organist from Music While You Work Jimmy Leach & His Organoleans, said he wanted to return to the town to see the new £1.2m structure and “take a walk down memory lane” of his time entertaining crowds in Aberystwyth.

Mr Anthony and his wife Jean visited the town last Friday and stayed for the weekend.

Mr Anthony, from Manchester, whose work includes compositions used in films as diverse as The Full Monty, Thirteenth Floor, Jackie Brown, SIGNS, Monsters Inc and Finding Nemo, said the new bandstand was “wonderful” and would be a great stage for budding musicians to strut their stuff as he did as a younger man.

During his time in Aberystwyth, he shared a bill with the Rolling Stones at the King’s Hall.

“I have wonderful memories of Aberystwyth and to return to the town for my 75th birthday to see the new bandstand was great,” Mr Anthony said.

“I wish the residents of Aberystwyth a most successful future ahead with the new bandstand,

“I hope it will give the town as much pleasure and joyful hours’ experience as the old bandstand gave to me when I first performed there in 1963.”

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