Showbusiness in his blood

Freddie was born in 1905 to Lawrence and Minnie Warner. Lawrence, who was also known as Larry, was a big star in those early days, and Freddie followed his father into show business, played in many shows until he was eleven years of age when he was known as 'Wee Freddie' and also as 'Master Freddie Warner'.

Up until 1916 he was in cabaret shows held by Swansea and Cardiff Caterers at the Empire Swansea and other halls of the Moss circuit.

His dad Larry had a song written for Freddie "Following Father", but he also came to prominence as a dancer and comedian. He was so popular that he had his own cards printed. It is a fact that young girls would rush home from work then rush to see him in action on the stage - this was told to me in 2000 by a 92-year-old lady who remembered him so well.

A dancing revolution

As he grew older he became involved with the drums and with the dance band revolution of the 1920's. He became the dance bandleader of several bands and played with them all over the UK.

One was the Capital Dance Band which was recognized as Wales's best dance band in 1925, with a selection of Welsh men in the band. They played in London at some of the top places, but they always came back to Swansea to play at the Patti Pavilion - this was where Freddie brought the Charleston to Swansea and gave a demonstration at the Patti.

Half a century treading the boards

The Patti's Manager was Freddie Warner's dad, Lawrence Warner, until 1957. He had completed 50 years in show business by that stage. From there Freddie played with the Club Four at the Pier Hotel Mumbles for a few years and then to the Manhattans Dance Band through the 40's. It brought much needed light relief for the people of Swansea.

It was after the war, in 1947, that Freddie died. A show was put on in the Patti Pavilion in tribute to him. Never had the Patti seen so many bands and managers taking part. Now in 2007 people who knew him say he was a tremendous entertainer and people would stop their dance to watch and listen to him playing the drums.