Performers pay their tributes to Warren

 

 

 

20.06.2002

Some of New Zealand's biggest entertainment personalities took to the stage last night to pay tribute to the man who helped launch many of their careers - Phil Warren.

Among the performers at the memorial concert, held at the Auckland Town Hall, were cabaret performer Diamond Lil and Suzanne Lynch.

Phil Warren, who died in January, was well known for his work as chairman of the Auckland Regional Council, but he was also a broadcaster and a music promoter.

Over the years he brought more than 500 international acts into the country. He was also a big supporter of local entertainers, setting up the careers of performers such as Johnny Devlin, Ray Columbus and Diamond Lil. He was also a former president of the Auckland SPCA and all proceeds from the concert went to the SPCA.

Bob Kerridge, the chief executive of the Auckland SPCA said: "Phil ... had a long and distinguished career in the show business world.

"He was much-loved in the industry and I've found it very moving to find the spontaneous enthusiasm from his old friends and colleagues who want to be part of this nostalgic tribute to Phil."

 

Diamond Lil was one of the entertainers whose careers was kick-started by Phil Warren. Picture / Fotopress