SUPPORTING chart topping bands, getting attention from major record labels - you'd think any band in that position would be dropping their daytime job in a second.

But The Berts aren't any band. The Berts just wanna have fun.

"It sounds weird," says drummer Derek Heather, "but we are just doing it for fun. We are doing it to please ourselves and if the audience like us it's a bonus."

The Berts were formed in late 1989. Less than five years later they were supporting the likes of The Cranberries and The Stranglers and, in 1993, their local popularity was confirmed when they won the Three Counties Battle of the Bands. Despite interest from major record labels like Chrysalis and EMI, the boys decided to call it quits.

"It got too serious," said Derek. "It was a bit of fun that got too serious."

The fans were in luck because the split was amicable and a chance meeting last year resulted in the band reforming.

Now, with a new guitarist, they are all about good times and at same time as writing new material, they are breathing life back into the old tracks.

"We are playing all the old stuff but we've revamped some of it."

The Berts - Paul Martins (vocals), Mark Hogan (bass), Pascal Smith (guitar), and Derek Heather (drums) - are playing at Drummonds, in New Street, Worcester on Thursday, December 28, supporting Clash tribute band Take the Fifth. They then play the Marr's Bar, in February.

To find out more go to www.

myspace.com/thebertsuk