Fix singer ‘overwhelmed’ by response to Boxing Night tribute concert

The singer of Portrush band The Fix says he is ‘overwhelmed’ by the kindness and generosity of local people and businesses as he prepares to play a special Boxing Night set in memory of bass player Paul Beattie.

Coleraine Inst classmates Paul, guitarist and singer Jonny Lennox, and drummer Shaun Giffin formed the band in the late 1980s and went on to develop a loyal fan base after gaining a regular slot at Kelly’s Complex.

Tragically, Paul, from Coleraine, passed away at his home in September aged just 53.

Rather than charge an entry fee for the concert at Kiwis Brew Bar in Portrush on 26 December, Jonny decided to invite attendees to donate to one or both of two chosen charities – Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke, and Paul’s Legacy, set up to celebrate the life of Paul Murray, a nurse practitioner and fan of The Fix who died suddenly from cardiomyopathy in 2021.     

Every £5 given via the link to either dedicated JustGiving page entitles the donor to a raffle ticket for a gala prize draw with the lucky numbers being drawn on the big night itself.

And you don’t have to attend the gig to be able to support the fundraising effort.

“Lots of people who live outside Northern Ireland, are away for Christmas or just want to help have bought tickets,” Jonny comments. “It’s greatly appreciated and the money will make a huge difference to both charities.”

Jonny said he has been taken aback by the response to his request for raffle prizes.

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“They prizes are incredible and I can’t thank the donors enough for their generosity,” he says.  “Most are from local businesses, and the quality simply underlines how much love and respect Paul had from so many people.  I don’t wouldn’t to single out any prize or business, but I would urge people to log on to our Facebook page, The Fix Portrush,  where they can see for themselves.  

“There are also links there to the two JustGiving sites where people can buy tickets by making donations.  I would ask that they include their email address on the JustGiving page so we know how many tickets to allocate, or they can contact me directly.”

As the countdown to the big event continues, Jonny has no hesitation in admitting to pre-gig nerves.

“A big crowd means big pressure!” he says.  “I’ve spent the past few weeks putting together a set list of the songs we used to play – and practising all hours of the day to try to get them right!

“They have brought back lots of memories for me. Without Paul on bass, they will never be the same but I will do my very best to do them justice.  Most importantly, every song will be a tribute to him - and every pound raised will be in his memory.”          

‘The Fix: One Last Dance for Paul’ is at Kiwis Brew Bar, 47 Main Street, Portrush on 26 December from 8pm.