Tour Dates

After over 60 odd years of performing his music all over the world it was with great sadness that Acker Bilk decided to hang up his boots and retire from public performing in early 2014.

It was not an easy decision for Acker. His health has caught up with him and he was not as strong as he used to be, but at the grand age of 85 I thought he had done his bit for music and jazz that he loved so very much.

Acker had not played in public since the Brecon Festival in August 2013, where he received standing ovations from a packed house both before and after the concert – a fitting finale to a great career. His last Paramount Jazz Band, which Acker said was one of the best bands he ever had, filled in contracted gigs such as Dresden, Nottingham, Colchester and the famous jazz location The Stables at Wavendon. all to great acclaim.

Their final date was on Thursday 12th June which was a tribute to all Acker’s music and Acker hoped his many fans would attend that special concert and listen to his excellent musicians: Colin Wood on piano and Richie Bryant on drums, both whom had been with Acker over 35 years, Enrico Tomasso on trumpet and Ian Bateman on trombone, who both joined Acker around 2002, and the baby of the band John Day on double bass. who joined in 2006.

They were joined on stage by clarinettist David Horniblow, ex Chris Barber Band.

To see more of Acker’s achievements over the years. please go to Acker’s biog page at http://www.ackersmusicagency.co.uk/biography.htm

Lastly, on retirement, Acker wished to thank his loyal fans all over the world for their support and love during his long and eventful career.