The amazing life of 'one of a kind' clubland king Roy

AGENT AND OWNER WHO LIVED THE DREAM

- NEAL KEELING

HE ONCE told me how standing at the back of his own venue watching The Drifters perform was one of the most cherished memories of his life. Roy Mozley was the king of clubland in Salford and Manchester, and the book he wrote was a snapshot of social history as well as an authentic insight into a lost era.

A two-hour chat in his home in Glazebrook in the summer of 2022 left me spellbound. At school he was an academic failure, but he went on to be an agent as well as club owner from the 60s to the early 90s working with stars both new and fading.

He part owned Fagins in Manchester, landed the big prize, the Talk of the North in Eccles, and booked acts for clubs right across the twin cities. It brought him all the trappings of showbiz, a mansion in Mere, Cheshire, flash cars. But it also meant kudos and respect and clout.

He opened a restaurant in Worsley called The Casserole, and bought The Barge Inn at Monton - known as 'Bargees. In the mid 80s he would take on the lease for the Swinging Bridge pub at Trafford Park.

He once used his guile to snap up the Bay City Rollers for seven shows for the bargain basement price of about £400 three shows were at the Condron Club in Frederick Road, Salford, and the rest at The Talk, which were sold out.

Three months later they hit the big time. He remembered them as "nice lads, bit arrogant, and average performers" Through his connections and eye for an opportunity he also got Take That in 1992 for £1,500 for three shows - six months later they were commanding £75,000 for a gig.

But Roy, who has died aged 75, was also a family man, and dedicated his autobiography to his late, wife, Patricia.