Wednesday afternoon, around 4pm, my phone rang. It showed an incoming call from long-time pal, Tony McDonagh, but the voice was that of Denise, his wife. I was suddenly filled with a sense of dread and just knew what Denise was about to tell me.

Tony had passed away that morning.

Though we’d never met, I’d known Tony and Denise for fifteen years or so. Their award winning, Middlesborough based, music industry PR Company, ‘Manilla PR’ were great supporters of my initial LOUD HORIZON blog. Through them, I saw, met and chatted with so many exciting and interesting bands and artists.

When I changed the format of my blog and no longer reviewed new music / bands, Tony still kept in touch, often sending me promo CDs (remember them??) from bands on his roster, just for my own personal interest.

Around Covid time, Tony surprised me when asking if I’d like to join him in setting up a podcast that combined our love of music and sport in general … though mainly football. 😉

He had already lined up Dan Donnelly (The Levellers and The Wonderstuff amongst others) as a presenter. And though national radio host Chris Hawkins had to withdraw before we started due to increased Radio6Music commitments, the incredibly funny, seasoned radio presenter Alex Lewczuk happily agreed to join the team.

‘Can They Do It On A Cold Tuesday Night?’ (working title) was born.

In all, we managed only two ‘dummy runs’ / pilots – one with singer /songwriter Ian Prowse (Pele and Amsterdam) and another with Martyn Ware (Human League and Heaven 17) before Tony was diagnosed with terminal blood cancer.

Tony fought this disease with good humour and incredible energy for over three years. With Denise, they made the most of their remaining time together, retiring from work and holidaying / ticking off a ‘bucket list’ between bouts of intensive treatment and hospital appointments.

Tony spent a lot of his remaining time selflessly raising awareness and funds for the Bright Red blood cancer charity. The final show he promoted at The Cluny, Newcastle in late August, raised £2400 with the help of many bands / artists who gave their time and performance for free.

Going back to our proposed podcast venture, Tony thought it best we form a production company, which we’d use as the vehicle to present our ideas to potential hosts. Though we hadn’t reached that stage, Tony, with his extensive industry contacts, was hopeful likes of the BBC would at least give us consideration.

And so we came up with a name and logo by which we could be identified. Tony was an ardent Sheffield Wednesday (The Owls) fan, while I support Stockport County (The Hatters) – and so ‘Owl In The Hat Productions’ was born.

Sadly, Tony knew we’d never have the time or opportunity to make use of the design or name. But in a recent conversation, I promised it would appear in some form, in some of my future work.

He was genuinely pleased.

Tony will be greatly missed by Denise and his family – but not only them. He helped a great number of musicians find their way in ‘the business’ all of whom I’m sure are eternally grateful for the faith he showed in them.

And of course, I shall miss a dear pal, who provided me with so much fresh, new music and showed faith in me also, suggesting I join him on that ambitious podcast venture.

Who says internet friendships are meaningless?

P.I.P. Tony, pal.

CEEJAY