The local rock and soul band has been a cornerstone of the region’s live music scene for 30 years, but their celebration show at Wimborne’s Tivoli Theatre on March 14 will be their final gig before joint front man and co-founder Tim Holt departs for a new life in France.
“It’s certainly au revoir if not goodbye,” says Tim. ‘But you never say never in music.”
The band got together in 1985 at Holdenhurst Village Hall, united by a common love of classic 1960s soul and rhythm and blues, with a little country rock for good measure.
That shared passion for the music and the evident unity of the band is undimmed by the passage of time and when The Agency hit their mark there are few acts that can touch them for raw energy and excitement, three decades after they first got together.
There have been ups and downs, none more emotional than the passing of Tim’s musical partner of more than 40 years and fellow founding member Nick Buckle in 2013, and yet The Agency has prevailed.
“In all that time the spirit has never dwindled and because of that this show at the Tivoli is not a trip down memory lane. We’ve got a very varied set planned with a few surprises along the way,” says Tim.
The show will be filmed for a live DVD to be sold through the band’s Facebook page and their back catalogue of CD albums will be available on the night with copies being exchanged for donations to Macmillan Cancer Support.
“These 30 years have been a real blast and we fully intend to go out with a bang,” adds Tim. “We want to thank everyone who has come to gigs and helped the band over the years, especially the long-suffering ‘Wags’ for their unstinting support.”
Is this one last hurrah for The Agency? Only time will tell.
Tickets for The Agency’s 30th anniversary special are available from the Tivoli Theatre box office on 01202 885566.
