The Tameside Radio presenter writes about a well-respected musician who has written for many well-known TV shows and has now released his biography.

He’s the man behind some of the most iconic television themes and music ever, for shows including Phoenix Nights (both series), Max and Paddy’s Road To Nowhere, Early Doors, and Waterloo Road. 

He’s provided the music for some of the UK’s most legendary live shows, including Peter Kay’s ‘Live At The Top Of The Tower’ and the ‘Mum Wants A Bungalow Tour’, the ‘Bottom’ live theatre tour, and the ‘League Of Gentlemen’ live tour, to name just a few. 

As a professional keyboard player he’s performed worldwide with many legendary artistes such as Billy Ocean, Sheena Easton and Lisa Stansfield, and is a member of 60s’ hit recording band ‘The Dakotas’, who had many hits during the 60s including ‘Bad To Me’, ‘Do You Want To Know A Secret’, ‘Little Children’, and ‘The Cruel Sea’. 

So having over a year off due to the Covid-19 pandemic has given Rochdale-born Toni Baker the perfect chance to write his life story, and release it as a biography. 

Published by Kingsley House Publishing, the 213 page book, named ‘The Man Behind The Music Of Phoenix Nights’, tells Toni’s story in his own words, of life growing up, his first memories of music, how he came to be a professional musician and how he ended up writing for many television shows, plus many of the stories he can tell and remember of life on the road as a well-respected musician. 

The book is also full of great pictures which tell their own tales of his journey - from his days growing up in Rochdale and attending Hulme Grammar School, through his 55 years as a professional musician. 

It’s a great read and a great insight of a man with many experiences, and many tales, and is a book which you can’t put down once you start reading. 

It’s available now from Toni’s social media pages, and The Dakotas’ website, or fans can pick up a copy, and have it personally signed, on Sunday, December 5, when Toni will be telling his tales in a unique one off event, ‘An Audience With Toni Baker’, which takes place in the Ratcliffe Suite at the Crown Oil Arena, Rochdale (Home of Rochdale AFC).

Tickets for the event are just £7 each and available now on Skiddle, the nights starts at 7.30pm. 

There will be a chance on the night to ask questions, and meet Toni, and find out more in person about his extraordinary life and career. Toni Baker is a great man to know, and his ‘Audience With’ evening, which I’ll be hosting, will no doubt be a brilliant, memorable night.

You can listen to Dave on Tameside Radio 103.6FM on Monday evenings from 7pm to 9pm. Click here to subscribe and catch up on previous shows.

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