DJ Brian Pearce to retire after 50 years in Peterborough club

Brian Pearce, a 77 year old resident of Stanground, Peterborough, is preparing to perform his final vinyl set at The Met Lounge.

The venue, which was known as Annabelle's night club when Pearce began his career in 1976, is hosting a 50 year reunion celebration where he will conclude his work as DJ Tom Bryan. Pearce began his career by accident when he provided music for a fundraising party at the Nene Valley Railway in the 1970s.

An entertainment agent later hired him for Annabelle's night club, where he performed regularly for 20 years under his stage name. Although he retired from performing for two decades to focus on his job at Perkins Engines, the owner of The Met Lounge invited him back last year to perform for the club's anniversary. Pearce plans to play Ben E. King and the Drifters' Save the Last Dance for Me as the final record in his set.

He will donate all ticket sales from the performance to Prostate Cancer UK following his diagnosis with the condition last year. Pearce also serves as the chairman of the trustees for the Railworld Wildlife Haven visitor attraction in Peterborough.