Boy On A Dolphin transports fans from afar

Ex-South Yorkshireman Zxavier Marshall and his wife Jane are journeying all the way from Land’s End to Letwell to catch a rare live performance of their favourite band from the 1990s.

Superfan Zxavier and Jane fell in love with Boy On A Dolphin and their distinctive Latin sound when the courting couple chanced upon the band playing at Dial House Club at Wisewood in Sheffield, way back in 1991.

As the years passed the couple moved away, and eventually settled down in the beautiful seaside village of St Just in distant Cornwall.

But their passion for the band — lead singer/songwriter John Reilly, bassist Andy Needham, lead guitarist Pete Hiley and drummer Darren Ford — never died.

And when the couple discovered on social media that the band were playing a rare concert, Zxavier jumped at the chance to book two tickets — in spite of the gig being 302 miles away.

Zxavier, who works with Jane at the Land’s End Hotel, can’t wait to see John and the boys live in action at Letwell Village Hall on the night of Wednesday,

June 29, and is in no doubt that the 600-mile round car journey will be worthwhile to catch the band.

Zxavier, who grew up in South Anston and neighbouring Harthill, said: “I know it’s a very long way to go for a gig, but Boy On A Dolphin only play very rarely these days.

“I didn’t hesitate when I found out they were playing at Letwell — we’re looking forward to it so much, irrespective of the overnight stay and the distance we'll have to drive there and back.

“There’s something about the band and their music that’s so distinctive, and I still play their CDs 30 years on from the first time we saw them in Sheffield, and it’s as good as ever now as it was way back then.

“We’ve not seen them live since 1991 so it’s going to be a very special night for us.”

Only a few tickets remain for the gig via Martyn and Matt on 01909 731626 or 07746 871392, priced at £15.

The band are also appearing at Letwell on Tuesday, June 28.