DJ Kenny Lee back to run revived club

The owner of cult music venue Old Hill Plaza is continuing his bid to bring back the magic by appointing the club's former star DJ as manager.

Kenny Lee, who rocked the plaza in the late 1960s and 70s, will run the club when it reopens in March and is charged with bringing back big names. The Searchers are among acts mooted to appear on the opening night, and Kenny, of Rowley Regis,promised to call up some of his old contacts such as The Foundations and Jimmy James and The Vagabonds.

The 59-year-old said: "This is absolutely a dream come true, it's like giving a kid his favourite Christmas present. I can't wait to get back there and get the bands in. I want to recreate what was there before, but make it better."

The Plaza, Halesowen Road, closed last year after owner Mary 'Ma' Regan died. In its 60s heyday it hosted The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

It was also home to legendary northern soul nights still being recreated at the annual Plaza Reunions.

In April 1972 it became a bingo hall, but the landmark venue at the top of Old Hill's high street, continued to pull in the crowds.

The building is now a shell as current owner, businessman Ashok Kumar, of Handsworth, transforms it into a modern music hall.

Mr Lee, of Stuart Road, said: "I think about once of twice a month we will host the soul nights but we want to get in the younger crowd too. There's a lot to do with sorting out the acts, that is the priority now.

"The building work has been delayed a bit so we are hoping to reopen in March.

"We are still sorting out the act to appear on the opening night and we've got a few irons in the fire, but I can promise you it's going to be a show stopper."