Iconic radio DJ Tony Blackburn has spoken out about the closure of the Oasis Leisure Centre in Swindon ahead of his gig in the Wiltshire town later this year.

The legendary radio presenter is set to come to Swindon in April, taking his Sounds of the 60’s show to the Wyvern Theatre for one night only.

When most music shows such as Tony’s come to Swindon they now play at the theatre but previously several played at the Oasis Leisure Centre.

The Oasis was Swindon’s largest music venue for several years but the complex closed in November of 2020 during the Covid pandemic.

Tony spoke to the Adver about his upcoming show in Swindon and offered his thoughts on what has happened with the Oasis in the exclusive chat.

Swindon Advertiser: The Oasis Leisure Centre has been closed since November of 2020.The Oasis Leisure Centre has been closed since November of 2020.

“I think there’s been a problem obviously recently because of the pandemic with us all locked up for a year and a lot of music venues weren’t bringing in money and became run down,” he said.

“It’s a shame when things like what occurred with the Oasis happen. It’s all financial I suppose and it’s a difficult time with regard to money.”

Coming to Swindon is not a first for the legendary DJ and the ‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here’ winner is looking forward to the show.

“I’ve been to Swindon before as it is not very far away from where I live,” revealed Tony.

“I’m excited for it as there is something about being in a theatre, seeing the audience coming in and when they leave at the end of the show and they’re happy, that’s great as we have all been through a really rough time in the last few years.”

Swindon Advertiser: Tony Blackburn is coming to Swindon for a show in April.Tony Blackburn is coming to Swindon for a show in April. (Image: BBC)

Tony also revealed what his biggest life highlights have been and what his own personal pinch-me moments were in a long and glorious career in the media industry.

“When I first joined Radio Caroline on July 25, 1964, it was a big moment as I hadn’t broadcast before and I fell in love with the studios,” he said.

“Opening Radio 1 was a really big moment and being the first voice on the station was really special.

“Doing ‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here’ and winning that was something a little different especially since it was the first series.

“Being at Radio 2 for a long time has been special too as now I’m 80 years old, to still be in the number one radio station in Europe after all these years is terrific.”

Swindon Advertiser: Tony Blackburn was the first DJ to broadcast on Radio 1.Tony Blackburn was the first DJ to broadcast on Radio 1. (Image: PA)

The Sounds of the 60’s tour has been on the road since 2018 but it had to have a lengthy break due to the Covid pandemic.

“I recently signed up for another 40 shows as they’re selling out everywhere, it is wonderful,” he said.

“We have a seven-piece band, a couple of singers, and I come out and talk about the sixties and the pirate radio and Radio One.

“This show is special as we have those terrific West End musicians and singers who are brilliant. We’ve all been touring and we have got to know one another very well and it's like a family of troupers touring around the country.

“We have a great time and I think it reflects on stage as we are all enjoying ourselves. We have a good time with the audience and I’m really enjoying it.”

The Swindon show is set to take place at the Wyvern Theatre on Wednesday, April 19, and tickets for the event start from £33.60.

If you are interested in attending, you can purchase tickets from Ticketmaster’s website here.