Rock For Spon ready to return
A gig in memory of a much-loved band member will be held at a top music venue.
The annual Rock For Spon concert was launched following the death of Andy Spencer, nicknamed Spon, who was the bassist and founder of rock band New Saints.
His fellow bandmates have held a gig at The Robin 2 in Bilston every year since, raising money for Compton Hospice.
The hospice charity was chosen because of the help it gave to Andy, who died in 2012 following a hard-fought, two-year battle against cancer of the oesophagus.
Now in its eighth year, Rock for Spon is still going strong, with the support of local bands and also friends, family and others who help to make the night a huge success.
Bandmate Connor Emms said: "By doing what Spon loved most, and including people that loved him, seemed the most appropriate way to give something back.
"Andy was the one who used to do all the fetching and carrying for everyone. He fell ill as we were recording our first album so we had something to remember him by, but he is still very much missed.
"Compton Hospice couldn't do enough for him in his final hours, and so far we've raised £30,000 for them through the gigs."
He added: "This year we're continuing the theme of involving Spon’s nearest and dearest by proudly welcoming Lee Small into the fold, a lifelong friend of the band and schoolfriend of Spon."
Lee was in several bands with the members of the band prior to his continued successful solo career and with bands such as Shy, Phenomena, Skyscraper and Lionheart. He has also previously appeared at the event with Band of Brothers."
The Rock For Spon gig will be held at The Robin 2 on May 11.
