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Wow...fame in one word!
A ONE word music review from Stephen Fry has seen a Blackpool musician catapulted into a media frenzy.
Guitarist Jon Gomm’s latest single Passionflower has clocked up more than a million viewings on YouTube after much-loved actor Fry simply posted the word “Wow” on Twitter.
And despite the endorsement being brief – the former Arnold schoolboy has seen interest pouring from around the world and on Thursday, he even appeared live on BBC Breakfast.
The 35-year-old, who was born in Blackpool but lives in Leeds, has historically shied away from the limelight playing more than 200 gigs annually in bars, pubs and clubs across Europe.
And his new found fame is taking some getting used to.
He said: “It has been quite strange the last few weeks, I’m exhausted by it all but it’s nice to have been recommended by Stephen Fry.
“I’m a big old school fan and have Jeeves and Wooster box sets at home.
“I‘ve tended to avoid the mainstream in the past but some of the offers I’m getting have been interesting and others a bit cheesy.
“I’ve got lots of small pub gigs lined up in the UK for the next month because despite what’s happened, I don’t want to let people down.
“I think it’s going to be crazy.”
Jon’s distinctive music style has earned him fans across the world.
During his performances, he tunes and retunes his acoustic guitar while playing and strikes the instrument’s body to add a percussive effect.
He began playing the ukelele aged two after his parents were unable to find a guitar small enough.
His first ever concert took place at the West Coast Rock cafe on Abingdon Street.
And seeing Jon playing live on BBC brought back memories of that day according to his mum, former Gazette women’s editor Elizabeth Gomm.
She said: “I had a lump in my throat watching him because I knew he would be nervous. I’m so pleased for him because he has worked so incredibly hard for the past 10 years.”
Download Jon’s work at: www.jongomm.com
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Wednesday 30 May 2012
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