This Sunday, The Show Must Go On promises to be a show-stopping party at Café de Paris in celebration of the life of Steve Elliott, one of the gay scene’s most influential club promoters who passed away last month. Cliff Joannou speaks to Steve’s partner, Ian Durston, about his plans for the event…
It’s always difficult paying tribute to somebody who worked on the club scene in a way that’s both respectful to their memory and true to their life. Tell us about the memorial aspect of the event… who is invited and what will be happening?
The memorial is 6pm-7pm and is open to anyone. Many people were unable to attend the funeral up in Mansfield last Wednesday, so this is a second opportunity for people to pay their respects and say a few words about Steve.
We already have a growing list of friends, DJs and performers that want to speak. Tonnic will host the memorial.
We will also have a projection screen set up to play a short video in memory of Steve.
There will be the opportunity for people to give donations if they wish, and these will be split between three charities – The Lesbian & Gay Switchboard, The Citizens Advice charity and the service that provides Steve’s mother Janet with oxygen, as for the last three years she has been reliant on a ventilator. We also intend to plant a tree up in Mansfield in Steve’s name.
The club afterwards is a celebration of Steve’s life and work. What can we look forward to?
The party starts at 7pm and is definitely the most fitting way to say goodbye to Steve. DJs confirmed are Oliver M, Paul Coals, Luke Hope, Stewart Who, Mattias and Elliott J Brown.
And you’ll also have some PAs, too?
PAs are Shena who sang ‘The Weekend’ alongside Tonnic and Peyton. There will be a book for people to write something in memory of Steve.
You mentioned a portion of the proceeds will go to charity?
Any donations made during the memorial will go to the charities mentioned above. The party itself is a non-charity event.
How would you like Steve to be remembered in future?
Steve should be remembered for his massive contribution to the global club scene. He prided himself on the quality of his events and always put his customers before anything else. Anyone who met Steve could see the sheer passion he had for his work. He was a fair and honest man that truly cared what his staff and patrons had to say, this alone set him aside from the rest.
• The Show Must Go On is at Café de Paris (3-4 Coventry Street, W1D 6BL) on Sunday 6th May. Memorial: 6pm-7pm. Club: 7pm-1am. If anyone wishes to say a few words please contact Ian at [email protected].
