Jools Holland boards #Platform88 and plays at Canary Wharf Tube station

18 April 2018
Three pianos will travel from station to station as part of a two-year programme and will then be given to charity
"We've seen the positive impacts of our busking programme and classical music on stations, and we're excited to provide this opportunity for our customers to bring their musical talents to light"
Mark Wild
London Underground's Managing Director

Jools Holland today launched the second #Platform88 piano as part of the partnership between Yamaha and TfL to bring more music to Tube customers.

The celebrated musician, broadcaster, composer and big band leader delivered a brilliant solo piano performance at Canary Wharf Tube station, leaving surprised commuters delighted and inspired.

He then autographed the piano and wrote a special message on it for future pianists.

The two-year #Platform88 project, which takes its name from the number of keys on a piano, provides opportunities for anyone to play the instruments and entertain fellow passengers.

Showcase talents

During the next two years, the pianos will 'commute' around the TfL network, giving millions of passengers the platform to showcase their musical talents.

Jools Holland OBE DL is well known to music lovers around the world. He has sold millions of records since he started playing Yamaha pianos 20 years ago, and performs to over 300,000 people each year.

He also hosts his own BBC Radio 2 programme and presents BBC's 'Later', the most popular music TV show in the UK.

A champion of new musical talent, Jools jumped at the chance to have the second #Platform88 named after him.

He said: 'I'm thrilled to be a part of #Platform88 and I'm sure this beautiful instrument will provide much enjoyment for players and audiences alike.

'It's amazing how many people can play the piano well and I'd encourage everyone to either have a play or just stop and listen for a while. Who knows who may spot you!'

Enjoyed by thousands

Currently residing at Tottenham Court Road Tube station, the first #Platform88 piano was launched in November by multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer, Tokio Myers.

It's now enjoyed by thousands of travellers every day, and plans are in preparation for a third piano to be placed on the Tube network.

At the end of the programme the pianos will be donated to charity. The Jools Holland piano will go to Music For All, (musicforall.org.uk) for whom Jools is a Patron.

The charity aims to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn to play an instrument.

Opportunity to learn

London Underground's Managing Director, Mark Wild said: 'Music helps to create moments of surprise and delight for our customers when travelling on the Tube.

'We've seen the positive impacts of our busking programme and classical music on stations, and we're excited to provide this opportunity for our customers to bring their musical talents to light.'

Yamaha's Charles Bozon said: 'Yamaha is all about enriching people through music making, and we are thrilled that these pianos are providing entertainment and inspiration to thousands.

'We've already received hundreds of stories and pictures of people enjoying the instrument at Tottenham Court Road Tube station and now with the addition of Jools' piano at Canary Wharf Tube station we hope unite even more passengers through music.'

Notes to editors

Watch Jools Holland's live performance at Canary Wharf Station at https://www.facebook.com/YamahaPianosOfficial