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John SicoloFounder and owner of the legendary night rock club "TJ's"
Country:
 USA |
Content:
- John Sicolo: The Man Behind TJ's Legendary Rock Club
- TJ's: A Musical Mecca
- The Birth of TJ's
- A Legacy of Live Music
- A Tribute to His Legacy
John Sicolo: The Man Behind TJ's Legendary Rock Club
John Sicolo, the legendary founder and owner of the renowned rock music venue TJ's, left an indelible mark on the music scene. His passion for live music, particularly rock, transformed an unassuming Newport, South Wales location into a vibrant hub for emerging and established bands.
TJ's: A Musical Mecca
In 1985, TJ's opened its doors, quickly becoming a sought-after destination for live music. Prior to its incarnation as a club, the site had housed Cedar's Rest restaurant and the Pittsburgh Diner burger bar. John Sicolo, a former merchant navy chef, purchased the premises in 1973, initially operating it as El Sieco's, an American-style steak and seafood restaurant. However, he soon recognized the potential for a music venue.
The Birth of TJ's
The name TJ's was derived from the first initials of John and his wife and business partner, Trelawney. The club quickly gained notoriety, with bands like Catatonia filming music videos in its intimate setting. Legend has it that Kurt Cobain proposed to Courtney Love within its hallowed walls.
A Legacy of Live Music
Over the years, countless bands graced TJ's stage, including Oasis, Manic Street Preachers, Green Day, The Offspring, Lostprophets, Primal Scream, Skunk Anansie, My Bloody Valentine, and Supergrass. In a 2002 interview, Sicolo recalled the moment when local promoter Simon Phillips approached him about hosting a few bands: "I asked him what type of music they were, and Simon said they were punk. I wasn't too worried about it; I really didn't know much about music because I was always in the kitchen. But when I came to watch these bands, and this mosh pit started, I stood there absolutely petrified, thinking, 'What have I let myself in for?'"
A Tribute to His Legacy
When John Sicolo passed away, the music community paid heartfelt tributes. The blogosphere buzzed with memories, while Twitter users hailed him as a "legendary promoter." Beyond the rock scene, John enjoyed collecting antiques, sailing, and gardening. His legacy lives on through the countless musicians and music lovers who were touched by his unwavering passion for live music.
