Morgan keeps on rocking!

MORGAN FLETCHER

FANS of Morgan Fletcher need not fret too much - the Oldham music scene legend isn't about to hang up his microphone just yet.

Many feared 64-year-old Morgan was about to call it a day when he hinted on social media two months ago that maybe it was time to quit.

However, since that single post on Facebook and the outpouring of heartfelt support that followed, Morgan appears to have fallen back in love with gigging.

He's still busy out on the town most weekends, though there does seem to be a feeling of the pressure easing now that he realises he will have to call it a day one day soon.

Asked about his plans right now, Morgan told me: "The reaction (to the Facebook post) was unbelievable, I've been inundated with really nice comments and that's quite touching.

"I just sat down and I thought 'do I really want to pack it all in or shall I stretch it out for a bit longer?'.

"To be honest I'm at a bit of crossroads really, I'm not certain which way I want to go, but since I said I was going to retire, for some strange reason I've been enjoying it more again.

"I've eased the work down a bit and that's probably helped.

"That's where I'm at. The gigs I've got in, I'm really enjoying them.

"I'm in a good place right now, I've got a few options open to me, and that's a nice feeling."

Morgan, who is now in the 46th year of a stellar career, added: "I feel like I'm semi-retiring, and I'm cool with that, but there's also that feeling of a reality check.

"I've had a long think and I just can't see me packing it in and not singing again. I can't see me selling all my kit and drawing a line.

"Old habits die hard, it's in my genes, so I'm going to see my gigs out this year and then I'll have a real hard think at the beginning of next year."

Though it appears Morgan is happy to carry on wowing local audiences for the foreseeable, he has thought about a 'farewell' show one day, and even who might appear.

"It started for me in 1968 singing on the beaches in Newquay, singing Bob Dylan songs and busking," recalled Morgan.

"That's where I got the real bug from, so when I came back to Oldham the first band I was in was called 'Fossil'.

"I was with them for five or six years until I joined up with Jimmy Semple next, then I was in Morgan's Every Which Way.

"I thought I'd like to put a farewell show on somewhere, maybe Uppermill Civic Hall, and I'd like to try and reform those acts I've been with down those 40-odd years.

"It'd be a nice nod to my career I suppose.

"It might be a little bit self-indulgent, but it's something I fancy doing. I have come full circle now."

Even after any potential 'farewell' show Morgan would still be loathed to disappear altogether.

Odd guest appearances, maybe duets with his nephew Jake from Cupids or daughter Hayley, Morgan will always remain part of the Oldham scene.