News / Obituaries
‘He was a Bristol legend, who broke down racial barriers’
Tony Bullimore has been remembered as a Bristol legend, who left his mark on the city in more ways than one.
Tributes are being paid across the country to the famous pioneer, sailor and entrepreneur, who has died at the age of 79.
A skilled yachtsman, Tony became a global superstar in 1997 for surviving against all odds after his boat capsized in freezing waters during a solo round-the-world race. He famously lived off chocolate and water in the hull of upturned vessel for four days before being rescued.
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But in Bristol, he was best known and loved as the owner of the famous Bamboo Club, which opened its doors on St Paul Street in 1966 and went on to become a major player on the reggae and ska scene, playing host to acts such as Ben E King and Bob Marley.
It was the first nightclub in the city to welcome members of Bristol’s Caribbean community and was a place for everyone to enjoy music, as, together with his wife Lalel, Tony set a precedent of breaking down existing racial divides and barriers.
The club thrived for 11 years, acting as a backdrop for a small group of locals including Roy Hackett and Paul Stephenson to launch the St Paul’s Carnival, but was tragically destroyed by fire on Sunday, December 18 1977 – just 10 days before the Sex Pistols were due to play.
Bristol’s legendary Bamboo Club
It was his extraordinary feat of survival at sea for which the Bristol adventurer gained worldwide recognition.
Tony was feared to have drowned in 1997 after his boat, the Exide Challenger, capsized in the freezing waters of the Southern Ocean. It was four days before an Australian recovery team found the floating wreckage and the sailor alive in the upturned hull.
Speaking to the BBC after his dramatic rescue, Lalel said: “If he makes up his mind to do something, he’ll do it.
“He’s courageous, he’s honest, he’s ever such a nice bloke.”
Tony and Lalel also spoke out about the racial discrimination they faced as a mixed-race couple in Bristol.
Described as humble, honest and a true gentleman, he has been hailed an inspiration to us all.
Paying tribute, Bristol lord mayor Cleo Lake said: “It is said that all good things must come to an end, yet that isn’t true with the passing of Tony Bullimore. Through the sadness of this news comes a reflection upon what he had achieved not only in his life and for his life but what he had achieved for Bristol and for our lives today.
“His work and legacy extends beyond his time laying a foundation as he did, not only in providing a social space for members of the black community who were not welcome at other establishments, but Tony Bullimore, through popular culture, also smashed apart and started to dismantle the racial segregation and racist attitudes in Bristol at that time.
“The creation of his world famous Bamboo Club set a cultural marker and will forever be a point in the history of our city in shaping it towards where we are today both in terms of the music culture and the cohesion across communities. Thoughts are with his friends and family.”
Tony and Lalel Bullimore. Photo taken from BBC Radio Bristol video.
Read more: Blue plaque unveiled on site of Bamboo Club
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