Tribute concert in memory of Small Faces' Ronnie Lane

Music fans will gather in a Bishop's Castle pub next month for a tribute concert in honour of Small Faces and The Faces star Ronnie Lane, to mark what would have been his 65th birthday.

Mr Lane shot to prominence in the 1960s as bass guitarist in the Small Faces and in the 1970s formed The Faces with Rod Stewart, Ronnie Wood and Ian McLagan. Durimng this period he lived for a time near Bishop's Castle.

He regularly invited world class musicians to the area to record with him.

Mr Lane died in America in 1997 at the age of 51 after a 25-year battle with multiple sclerosis. But some of his relatives still live in the area, and on April 1 a concert will be held at the Three Tuns in Bishop's Castle.

The concert will feature a performance by West Yorkshire tribute band Kuschty Rye, and band member and event organiser Des Horsfall said he was delighted to be performing in a place which had helped inspire one of his musical heroes.

Mr Horsfall said his music was inspired by Mr Lane's Slim Chance period, and said he believed all three of the albums produced by Mr Lane were recorded at Fishpool Farm in Hyssington, near Bishop's Castle, where he lived at the time. It is one of three events being held to launch Kuschty Rye's new album, with the others being held in Halifax and Putney.

Mr Horsfall said: "It's wonderful getting the chance to play in Bishop's Castle where Ronnie used to live and recorded these albums."

Keith Bance, deputy manager at the Three Tuns, said: "Tickets sales haven't been going too badly and we have had someone from Manchester getting in touch who has bought tickets and will be coming."

The gig on April 1 starts at 8.30pm and tickets cost £7.50. For more details call the Three Tuns on (01588) 638797.