Old Hill Plaza rocking again (From Halesowen News)

Old Hill Plaza rocking again

11:38am Friday 14th May 2010 in News

NEW life is being breathed into a former legendary music venue that attracted groups of the ilk of The Beatles The Rolling Stones, Jimmy Ruffin and The Drifters to Old Hill before it was turned into a bingo hall.

The Plaza Ballroom, much-loved by a generation of rockers, then Tamla motown and Northern Soul in the 1960s and early 70s, is set to re-open after a major refurbishment by the new owner.

Entrepreneur Ashok Kumar bought the former ballroom in Halesowen Road and has spent the last six months restoring it to create an events venue for the 21st century.

Former Plaza DJ Kenny Lee is returning as events manager and the opening, on Friday May 28, will feature Temptations tribute band Brothers of Soul.

The ballroom was owned by the much-admired Joe and Ma Reagan, but it was turned into a bingo hall in 1972. A fire destroyed the famous revolving stage in 1990 and Joe died in 2004. After Ma’s death in 2008 the doors were shut on the bingo hall and the couple’s daughter Carmel put the building up for sale.

Mr Kumar has refurbished the first floor with a stage and bar area and plans to create a similar concert room downstairs within the next 12 months.

Live groups will play at The Plaza on Friday nights and occasionally on Saturdays and the venue will be available for hire for parties and wedding receptions at other times.

For Kenny, who began his stint as DJ there in the spring of 1969, returning to work at his beloved Plaza is a dream come true.

“It’s like asking a kid what they want for Christmas, it means that much to me,” he said.

Even when the ballroom was closed he organsied popular reunions for 18 years and when Joe and Ma Reagan attended on Joe’s 90th birthday in 2001 the couple received “thunderous applause” from a grateful packed house.

The names of the bands that played The Plaza in the 60s was like a line-up from Top of the Pops, including Bill Haley and the Comets, The Move, Spencer Davis, Moody Blues and The Kinks.

When Tamla Motown and Black American soul music swept the nation at the end of the decade, the venue attracted national interest as music lovers travelled from far and wide to see greats such as Geno Washington, Edwin Starr, Ben E King and Jimmy James and the Vagabonds.

Tickets for the opening night, priced £8 and £15 for two, are available by ringing 01384 858835 or 07958491762.

For your chance of winning two free tickets to the inaugural gig on Friday May 28 answer this question.

Which famous foursome played at the Plaza twice in 1962?

Click on the box below to enter and don’t forget to send us your name, address, and telephone number with your answer.

Entries must be received by 9am on Tuesday May 25.

Usual Newsquest competition rules apply.