Admirable Nelson
Celebrities seem to be getting rather too big for their Dolce and Gabbana boots these days. It's not often you meet one who would be grounded enough to venture into the depths of the Purple Turtle. Well, this is where I was pleasantly surprised to be proven wrong. Just as Trevor Nelson was saying his goodbyes at the Union I sensed an opportunity. It was a long shot, but, what the hell.
"Do I want to come to the Purple what?" was the sceptical response. Two minutes later and the now rather anxious-looking Radio One DJ was throwing back the double JD and cokes like it was going out of fashion, whilst perhaps trying to fathom the
origin of the rich and unsavoury aromas wafting over from the dance-floor. Trevor soon got into the swing of it - very funny and obviously a natural entertainer.
He didn't pussy-foot around either. On I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here and reality TV in general, Trevor candidly declared that he thought all the contestants were mercenary losers and he himself would rather be living in the gutter before ever humiliating himself to that extent. He was disgusted at the latest revelation that Jade Goody has become a millionairess off the back of Big Brother: "But Jesus Christ, have you seen Jade's mother?" Trevor looks like he's just had an extra big waft from the dancefloor. "If Jade's got money like that, she should at least help the poor woman out."
The conversation inevitably turned to music. Always ready for a challenge, Trevor tested me on my knowledge of popular music. "OK, what Destiny's Child single has become a female anthem?" "Independent Woman" was my triumphant answer, but... "Wrong!" squealed Trevor gleefully. "Independent Woman II!" Duh.
When asked about his plans for the coming year, Trevor was endearingly excited. This year he'll be taking on the role of Ambassador for the Millennium Volunteers program in addition to his hectic DJ-ing schedule. His work will include advising college students how to get into the music business, and being shadowed by volunteers during his Radio One Show. "Millenium Volunteers encourages young people to follow their passions and pursue their dreams - my passions are music and DJ-ing and I love sharing this with as many people as possible."
Trevor seems the perfect role model for any budding artist. His rise to fame began back in the late 80s, as a former Kiss FM shareholder and director. He was soon scouted by Radio One, helping to pave the way for other black artists in music. Trevor became known as the harbinger of R'n'B to our radios with his show Trevor Nelson's Rhythm Nation, which took Britain by storm, developing into the first ever national R'n'B chart show. Trevor progressed to become co-producer of The Lick Chart and The Late Lick for MTV, as well as hosting the Notting Hill Carnival.
Trevor gets a far-off glimmer in his eye when I ask him how he spent Valentine's night. "By going home to my beautiful wife of eleven years, Anna." Ahhh, bless. And who said there's no such thing as a perfect man. Well Trev, you know you'll always be welcome back at the PT any time.
26th Feb 2004