Worcester Warriors will be hosting a special Soul Night at Sixways on Sunday, October 31 as the ‘Original Soul Survivors’ make a reunion appearance to help raise funds for an injured Warriors Academy player.
The original six-piece line-up – that includes Academy Assistant Manager Gary Meechan – are returning for one-night to play 60s classic soul from Otis Redding to Sam & Dave and James Brown to Arthur Conley at the home of the Warriors.
The Sixways special event is being staged by Warriors for the benefit of Earl Collins and his family after the young winger sustained a serious neck injury playing for Warriors in March.
Collins – who has also played for England Under-19 Regional Academies – remains one of the brightest young talents at Sixways and is expected to make a full recovery in the future.
The club has supported the Coventry-born back throughout his rehabilitation and now players and officials have decided to host a special musical event to continue to show their backing for the talented 19-year-old.
“I’m on the comeback road and really looking forward to playing for Warriors again in the future,” said Collins.
“The support I have had from everybody at the club throughout this difficult time has been fantastic and, along with the Rugby Players’ Association, I have been given all the advice and guidance I need to make a successful playing return.
“I’m truly thankful that the club has now decided to host this event for the benefit of me and my family and we look forward to what I am sure will be a memorable night at Sixways.”
The Soul Night will see 1st XV Skills Development Coach and Warriors Academy Assistant Manager Gary Meechan return to his musical roots. Meechan was part of the Original Soul Survivors that was formed in January 1986 and famously played over 300 shows in the first 12 months.
The original band worked with, alongside or supported The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Drifters, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, The Contours, Rufus Thomas, the Foundations and many, many more. Members have played with Simply Red, Girls Aloud, Jimmy James and The Vagabonds, Shirley Bassey, Edwin Starr, Eddie Floyd, Ben E King and Carla Thomas to name but a few.
The band recently played a reunion concert at the Wolves Civic – the same venue where the original line-up ceased in December 1995 – and Meechan said: “It was the first time we’d played together for 16 years and a number of the Warriors went to the gig. The players asked about us doing something back at Sixways and that is now going to happen for the benefit of Earl Collins and his family.
“We are obviously delighted that Earl will make a full recovery, but this has still been a very difficult time for both him and his family. By holding this concert we can continue to show our full support for him as an entire club.
“This event fits in with the culture and ethos we have at Warriors for being a club that always looks after our players. All the staff and players will be attending the night and working hard to make it a big success.”
The night will also include a special Soul Music DJ with Rob Hurcomb – part of The Worcester Soul Crew – performing. For further information visit www.soulstuff.co.uk
All proceeds from ticket sales will go to Earl Collins and his family with tickets priced at just £10. Doors for the Soul Night at Sixways will open at 7.30pm for an 8pm start. For further details call the Sixways Events team on 01905 454183.