Organists

PHIL KELSALL MBE

How did it all start for you at The Blackpool Tower?
At eighteen I was recommended to play the Hammond Organ in The Blackpool Tower Circus, then I deputized for Ernest Broadbent, former Blackpool Tower Ballroom organist until he retired. The rest is history, as the saying goes!

What made you take up the Organ?
As a boy, I used to frequent The Blackpool Tower's Ballroom regularly. I remember watching legendary organist Reginald Dixon performing. The atmosphere was infectious and I must have imagined myself up there one day!

How does the Wurltizer compare to other organs you have played?
I have played nearly every theatre organ in Britain but with the fine acoustics of The Blackpool Tower Ballroom, the Wurlitzer makes a totally unique sound and in my opinion is one of the finest ever built by Wurlitzer.

What particular highlights stand out during your time at The Blackpool Tower?
The most memorable has to be The Blackpool Tower's Centenary Celebrations in 1994. Her Majesty The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh visited the Ballroom and I was honoured to be introduced to them both.

How do you feel every time you rise up on the Wurlitzer in front of an audience in The Blackpool Tower Ballroom? 
I do sometimes think as I'm halfway through the stage what a strange way of earning a living!

In June 2010 Phil was awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list for what was described as a "35-year love affair" with The Blackpool Tower Ballroom.

CHRIS HOPKINS

Chris started playing the organ at The Blackpool Tower in 1995, since then he has developed his own unique style and has become a firm favourite with the dancers.

Over the years The Blackpool Tower Ballroom has had numerous electronic organs to compliment the Wurlitzer organ, more recently the Wersi Louvre, and the present model the Roland AT900, Chris has always been the first to embrace these vast technological instrument’s and manipulate their potential. Chris is equally at home on the Mighty Wurlitzer.

Chris has made numerous TV/ Radio appearances promoting The Blackpool Tower Ballroom, including Strictly Come Dancing and Britain’s FavouriteView.

In more recent years Chris was invited to play [the Organ] at his beloved Manchester United for their foundation.

When he is not at The Blackpool Tower he can be found wandering the Lake District, or the Scottish Highlands where he is a keen Landscape photographer. Chris is also a fully qualified Approved Driving Instructor and has helped many of the staff at The Blackpool Tower through their driving test.

JOHN BOWDLER

Born and educated in Wigan, Lancashire, John began playing the Organ at the age of eight. He always had a keen interest in the Wurlitzer from when he used to regularly visit the Ballroom as a child. John joined Blackpool Tower as one of the team of resident organists in 1987. He took up his position at the age of sixteen, straight from school.

In addition to playing the Wurlitzer at Blackpool Tower, John has also played his own Technics GA3 Organ for concerts at Organ societies and festivals, as well as dances all over the country. He has also made several TV appearances, meeting many celebrities along the way.

John has had some horses named after him over the years, by the horse owner and friend of his, Paul Dean. Paul is a former turf accountant who has been a keen dancer at Blackpool Tower for many years. These horses include “John Bowdler Music”, “Bouncing Bowdler”, “Bowdler’s Magic” and “Sir John Bowdler”. “Bouncing Bowdler” achieved much success when he finished in second place in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot, and was placed second at Glorious Goodwood in the Queen Mother Molecomb Stakes. These provided memorable days out for everyone involved.

Away from Blackpool Tower John enjoys walking, especially on the fells in the Lake District.