Beating drum for jazz legend

Ian Paice from Deep Purple, Paul Weller's drummer Steve White and Jon Brookes from The Charlatans are among the creme de la creme of drummers due to perform at the Lichfield Garrick theatre.

And they are coming together to perform on September 29 for an evening celebrating the music of American jazz drummer and band leader Buddy Rich.

The all-star drumming cast also includes Ian Palmer from Alan Skidmore, Pete Cater from the Pete Cater Big Band, UK jazz legend Garry Allcock and Neil Bullock from the Fat Chops Big Band.

The UK's leading jazz vocalist and BBC radio star Claire Martin will also be performing at the drumming night.

Palmerlive Ltd is presenting the show, which starts at 7.30pm, on what would have been the eve of Buddy Rich's 90th birthday.

"Set to be one of the hottest shows in the country, The World's Greatest Drummer at the Lichfield Garrick theatre is a sure sell-out," said a Palmerlive spokesman.

"The success of the show is due to its amazing line-up of seven of the UK's leading drummers, as well as songs from leading jazz vocalist Claire Martin.

"September 29 would have been the eve of Buddy Rich's 90th birthday.

"This concert celebrates the man who most agree was the world's greatest drummer.

"Along with the award-winning Fat Chops Big Band, all the show's stars will perform some of Buddy's greatest songs."

Highlights include performances by Neil Bullock of Ya Gotta Try and That Old Black Magic, and Garry Allcock with Love For Sale and In A Mellow Tone.

For tickets, at £10, call the theatre box office on 01543 412121.