Brian Luck

Born in Dartford, Brian has been immersed in music for as long as he can remember. His musical journey began at school, where he first studied piano and quickly demonstrated his talent by taking over as conductor of the school percussion band.

After completing his national service in the RAF, Brian began learning the clarinet. However, his passion for football temporarily overshadowed his musical pursuits—until fate intervened. Following a serious leg injury during a football match, Brian returned to music during his recovery and took up the saxophone. His teacher, Alf Kendall, soon invited him to join the Hornchurch Orchestra. Brian fondly recalls his first concert at the old Queen’s Theatre, where his enthusiastic foot-tapping caused the entire brass section’s platform to shake, much to their chagrin!

In 1961, Brian’s life took another meaningful turn when he met Joan, who had joined the Hornchurch Symphony Orchestra (as the HCO was then known) to further her violin playing. They married three years later. In the late 1980s, Brian fulfilled a 35-year ambition by forming The Moonlight Serenaders, a dance band inspired by Alan Ainsworth’s Northern Dance Orchestra, featuring Sid Lawrence.

A special highlight came in May 1994, when The Moonlight Serenaders performed at Joan and Brian’s 30th wedding anniversary, which also marked Brian’s retirement from the local council. Despite retiring, life remained full of music for Brian, who continues to play clarinet with the YM Orchestra and dedicates himself to leading The Moonlight Serenaders.

One of Brian’s fond memories from the early 1960s involves sitting next to a young oboist in the Hornchurch Orchestra—Michael Neubert—who would later become the MP for Romford from 1974 to 1997.

Last Updated: 13 October 2024