BLESSED SOULS PRESENTS: A REUNION TRIBUTE TO CLIVE McKINLEY (VANBRUGH HILL)

Event Calendar CLICK HERE 

Doors: 6pm | Show: 7pm

Join Blessed Souls for a very special reunion evening of live music, memories and celebration, honouring the remarkable life and musical legacy of Clive Andrew McKinley, known throughout the music community as Vanbrugh Hill.

Whether you knew Clive, remember the original Blessed Souls sessions, or are discovering Blessed Souls for the first time, you are warmly invited to come and experience the music. Expect an uplifting night of live Soul, Reggae and Gospel, fused with Jazz, R&B and the unmistakable energy of the Blessed Souls live show-jam.

Backed by The MAC Band, the night will bring together featured artists, musicians, special appearances and a limited number of pre-booked open-mic performances — celebrating the community, spontaneity and live musicianship that have always been at the heart of Blessed Souls.

For more than 50 years, Clive served and helped shape the British gospel music community. An exceptional guitarist and musician, he was also a mentor, encourager, teacher and friend to countless people. His influence extended far beyond the stage, inspiring generations of musicians through his talent, generosity, wisdom and willingness to share his knowledge.

Those who knew Clive will also remember his infectious sense of humour, kind heart and ability to make people feel welcome. He invested in established and emerging musicians alike, leaving a musical legacy that continues through the many people whose lives he touched.

Clive worked with artists including Phil Collins, Beverley Knight, Jamie Cullum, Geri Halliwell and Jamelia to name a few.

Blessed Souls UK was founded by singer, songwriter and host Adelaide Mackenzie in 2007, creating a London live-music showcase and open-mic platform where emerging talent could share the stage alongside established artists. Over the years, Blessed Souls has welcomed an impressive range of performers and special guests and has built its reputation around live music, collaboration, opportunity and community.

For this special reunion, Blessed Souls returns to celebrate one of its own. The evening will bring together artists, musicians, friends and members of the gospel and wider music community, with performances, personal memories, special guests and a limited number of pre-booked open-mic tribute slots.

LIVE MUSIC WITH THE MAC BAND

Clive McKinley (Vanbrugh Hill) was an important part of The MAC Band and the Blessed Souls musical family, bringing his distinctive musicianship and guitar to the stage over the years.

For this special reunion, the musicians comes together again, with Andre Gabriel joining us on guitar in tribute to Clive.

Mark A. Crawford — Keys

Chris Thompson — Drums

Jerry Logan — Bass

Lee Elliott — Saxophone

Steve Sincock - Trumpet

Andre Gabriel — Guitar

Naomi ‘Namz’ Elliott — Vocals

Irene Austin — Vocals

Hosted by Adelaide Mackenzie

FEATURED ARTISTS & SPECIAL APPEARANCES

Featuring a growing line-up of singers, musicians and friends of Blessed Souls, are

Tracey Jane Campbell – YouTube 

Natalie Pearl – Natzplace on YouTube 

Riccy Mitchell – YouTube 

Adelaide Mackenzie – YouTube

with Special appearences from Jennifer Phillips, Floetic Lara, Smoothflow Femi, Naomi Elliott, Patrick, IDMC Choir and more.

Hosted by Adelaide Mackenzie, with co-hosts Anthony “Pass Da Mic” King, Patrick Medley aka Pastor Shacklefoot, S. Dot Campbell, Irenia Austin and Angel Lou from Real Woman Talk Show.

Clive's musical gift and joyful personality touched generations. His friendship touched lives. His legacy plays on.

Supporting the McKinley family

The McKinley family's official GoFundMe remains open for those wishing to contribute towards Clive’s Home Going arrangements, associated expenses and support surrounding his Celebration of Life following his Home Going ceremony.

Net proceeds from the Blessed Souls Reunion Tribute, following agreed event and production costs, will be contributed to the McKinley family’s GoFundMe to support the family with expenses associated with Clive’s Home Going, Celebration of Life and his lasting legacy.

Those who would like to support the family directly can also donate through the official GoFundMe.

Support the McKinley family through the official GoFundMe

LIMITED OPEN-MIC TRIBUTE SLOTSA limited number of pre-booked open-mic performance slots Register your interest via email. Slots must be agreed in advance.

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH BLESSED SOULS UKFollow us for artist announcements, archive memories, open-mic information and updates in the run-up to the reunion.

YouTube — Blessed Souls UK

Instagram — @blessedsouls_uk

TikTok — @blessedsoulsuk

Facebook — BSUK Entertainment

Event enquiries & open-mic enquiries: blessedsoulsuk@gmail.com

The Soul Mama Menu offers a delightful blend of African, Caribbean, and South American cuisine. Soul Mama was listed in the “top restaurants to look forward to in 2024 list” by the Evening Standard. Please take a moment to explore our menu.