Nigel Kennedy backs rock legend Roy Wood to be a star

May 3 2009 by Paul Cole, Sunday Mercury

Since then, he’s released solo albums and fronted a number of bands, the most recent of which – Roy Wood’s Rock & Roll Band – appears at Birmingham’s NEC on December 5 as special guests of Status Quo.

He’s won a prestigious Ivor Novello Award for the ‘best collection of songs’ and an honorary Doctorate in Music at the University of Derby.

Roy was delighted to hear that Nigel Kennedy had given his support to the campaign.

“He’s a great mate,” said Woody. “When I played at Symphony Hall, I asked if he’d like to get up to have a scrape – and he agreed.

“It was good to see him at the Villa the other week. We chatted about maybe getting together for a jam sometime. I’d love it if he could play in my band when we appear at the NEC!”

The Birmingham Walk of Stars is organised and funded by the Broad Street Business Improvement District, which represents the 260-plus businesses in the area – the Midlands premier entertainment district, welcoming more than 100,000 visitors a week.

Broad Street manager Mike Olley says: “Roy Wood is an amazing Birmingham-bred talent. He certainly fits the bill – and he gets my vote. We look forward to seeing how this campaign develops. We do listen to the public, so have your say!”