Lifetime behind the drums ends for 86-year-old Peter
At 86 years old Peter Empson has finally played his last gig after more than 50 years as a drummer.
His prized Pearl drum kit has been packed away along with his many memories of being the beat behind a host of bands performing all over the county.
His final appearance took place at The Pavilion, in Lakenheath, towards the end of September, with his band of 20 years: On The Road Again.
And to make it an even more special occasion the event raised a total of £1,500 for the My WiSH Charity, with the money directed towards the cardiac unit at the West Suffolk Hospital, in Bury St Edmunds.
Up to 100 people attended the evening and there was double delight for Peter as two of his grandsons Aaron, who plays guitar in the folk group Georgia Shackleton Trio, and Adam, guitarist with the duo Minus The Giant, also performed on the night.
“I felt very, very proud to finish playing with my two grandsons,” said Peter.
The money was raised via admission tickets along with a raffle which included a host of prizes including a day pass for five people at Center Parcs, in Elveden, a picnic hamper and bottles of drink.
His two daughters Beverly and Sandra helped organise the event which Peter described as a wonderful evening which went “very, very well” with “everybody thoroughly enjoying” the evening. And all the musicians got together for a final session to round the event off.
Peter decided to raise the money for the cardiac unit as he was treated by the staff after he had two heart attacks, firstly 25 years ago and more recently back in 2019 which resulted in him having to be transferred to the Papworth Hospital for a triple bypass.
He lived with Beverly and her family for six weeks following his release from Papworth and said he wanted to raise the money for the cardiac unit as he received such wonderful treatment from the staff.
Peter, who lost his wife Sheila seven years ago after 58 years of married life, lives on his own in Lakenheath and said he has one final “hurrah” on the drum kit when his band cut a CD to have memories of the outfit and Peter’s performance on drums.
“After that I’ll sell my kit. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time gigging and I’ve met a lot of people during that time,” he said.
“I did retire when I was 70 but I came back playing again as I missed it so much. But I have had enough of carrying the kit around now.”
Peter’s bands down the years have included Kedgeree, the Fantasia Showband, the Pete and Kenny duo and Three Plus One and he fondly remembers being on the same bill in Bristol with the chart-topping band from the south west, The Wurzels.
He has also played at Pontins in Weymouth, Reading, Clacton, Cambridge, along with a host of venues across Suffolk.
“I have had a good run and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time drumming,” he added.
Tanya Field, fundraising officer for My WiSH, said “It’s been a pleasure to support Peter with his fundraising. This total is just fantastic and we are thrilled he enjoyed his final gig so much. Thanks to all who supported him”.
Written by Russell Cook for My WiSH Charity.
Main photo: Peter Empson with his daughters Beverley and Sandra hold the cheque of £1,500 for My WiSH. Photo: My WiSH Charity.