Tuesday 27 February 2007

Jukebox joy for Roy?

Confusion has arisen over a report that a man has been barred from the Gordon Arms pub in Portswood for constantly playing Mariah Carey songs on the jukebox. BBC South Today, The Daily Echo and even the Daily Mirror have covered the story, however, there have been suggestions from several members of staff that it may have all been an elaborate hoax.

Jeff Donovan, 35, tormented regulars and staff alike at the pub, a favourite watering-hole of Southampton students, by playing Miss Carey's hits up to 20 times a day over a six-year period. His particular favourite, All I want for Christmas is You, was not limited to the festive period but played all year round.

Roy Danns, landlord of the Gordon Arms, finally had enough of Jeff's antics and barred him: "To start with we found it amusing. I actually used to like Mariah before. But the other customers just had enough of listening to the same songs over and over again. I gave him plenty of warnings but he just laughed and told me the customer is always right. All the regulars used to whinge at him to stop, but he wouldn't listen and never put any other songs on. He's not coming back into my pub."

Jeff simply didn't see what the problem was commenting: "I love Mariah and listen to her over and over again, but other people obviously didn't share my musical taste." Indeed they didn't and Jeff was faced with a lifetime ban. He is clearly distraught: "I've tried appealing to Roy to let me back in, but he's adamant I am barred for life." Roy even had Trisha Goddard on the phone.

Since the unexpected publicity and Jeff's incessant pleading to be allowed back in, Roy has relented and lifted Jeff's ban under the condition that he undergoes a self imposed two-week ban from the jukebox. And Roy is resolute: "If he plays another song constantly he will be banned immediately, no questions asked."

The Gordon Arms is now enjoying a much anticipated period of peace and quiet to the delight of both staff and customers. The Mariah Christmas track has since been removed from the jukebox to avoid any future anguish to patrons.

(Wessex Scene)



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