AN afternoon charity gig at a Worcester pub attracted complaints from neighbours because the music was too loud.

The Virgin Tavern, in Tolladine Road, hosted Black Sabbath tribute band From Sabbath to Hell in a bid to raise cash for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Original Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi is suffering from lymphoma cancer and the tribute band’s bass player Jon Payne is also battling cancer.

From Sabbath to Hell raised almost £800 at the outdoor afternoon show, but a few days later pub landlord Dean Helsall received a call from the environmental health department.

“Five people had complained saying they could hear us all the way to Ronkswood,” said Mr Helsall.

“It’s ridiculous. It was during the day and was for charity.”

The pub had also informed all the nearby residents of the event two days before it took place. Despite the complaints, the day has been hailed as a success by both the band and the pub with 280 people turning up to help raise £791.37.

“It was an amazing event, we were flat out all afternoon,” said Mr Helsall. “Because of how well it was received by the local people, we’re going to have another weekend show next May.”

The event was given an extra lift by news that Mr Payne, who played the show having had an operation to remove cancer cells a couple of days before, has now been given the all clear and is undergoing weekly injections to make sure that the condition does not return. Mr Payne said: “All going well for me since our return from the Midlands tour.

“Having a regular weekly treatment that seems to be working. Knocks me out a bit, but hey, the show must go on.

“We had a wonderful time at the Virgin Tavern. Great crowd, lovely weather and the band were really on form. We hope to be back again next year and support another charity.”

All the equipment for the show was supplied for free by Worcester businesses with Pinches Transport, Blackpole, supplying the trailer stage, while the Magoos – a local covers band – supplied the PA system and helped set up the band’s equipment.

There is not yet an update on Tony Iommi’s condition, but Black Sabbath have still managed to play live shows and release a studio album despite him undergoing chemotherapy.