It’s always very difficult when we lose a family member, but it’s also uplifting to know that through such grief those left behind take the time to think of others and wish to leave a lasting legacy in memory of the loved one they’ve lost.  Such is the case with Nia and David Hall, parents of Jon Hall, who tragically passed away in May 2017.  Through collections from family and friends they presented MusicPlace North-West with a cheque for £1,605.54, in memory of their son, to contribute to the music therapy work we do here with children and adults through the universal language of music.

Below is a photograph of Jon, taken at The Roundhouse in London, and some background information about the man behind the music.

JON HALL

Sound engineer, band manager, sometime trumpeter, cruise ship worker, record label owner, tour manager, van driver, Pinot Noir fanatic – Jon Hall changed between many different hats with a customary skill and humour.

Music in all its forms was his passion from very early on, be it ‘borrowing’ his dad’s Revox reel to reel for early local band recordings or DJing at weddings and wearing out his Come On Eileen single in the process.

From his bedroom, he would not only produce recordings, but also the artwork, print out inserts for tapes and CDs, write up all the credits and invent company names.  Merlin Music was the first and he and a friend and colleague recorded male voice choirs, young bands and music from Theatr Clwyd where they worked.

Jon turned his passion for music into a career and in 1997 he was one of the first cohort of students to graduate from LIPA.  After working in theatre for a while Jon decided to follow his passion for recording and live sound.  He then focussed most of his time managing bands, guiding his acts through album releases and UK & European tours, and also running his own independent record label.

Another company – Performance Technologies – brought great success installing and providing PAs in many venues and festivals throughout the country.

He was in demand as tour manager and sound engineer for many international artists including Brand New Heavies, Scroobius Pip, Sivu, Stealing Sheep, Money and many, many more.  In 2014 he mixed a show in front of 17,000 people in Earls Court.  It was the last gig to be held there before it was knocked down and thus laid claim to a place in the history books of music venues.

Alongside the touring Jon also helped mentor young bands through an education scheme and helped future generations of musicians to achieve their dreams.

Jon saw music and life as a heady mixture of creativity and adventure, but knew that there had to be a practical underpinning to enable both.  He put structures in place to support his fellow adventurers, and through this donation in his memory he is continuing to do so.

A fantastic host, Jon’s home became a centre of warmth and hospitality.  He always offered a place for anyone in need of a roof whether for the night or longer and his soirees were legend.

It was a hive of creativity and fun and love: three essential elements in all the greatest music.

Some songs are truly timeless.

Jon Hall

27 February 1978 – 20 May 2017