FRIENDS and musicians will come together next Friday to celebrate the life of man who lived and breathed music.

A memorial night to Fin Steel - who died last November - is being held at Worcester's Marr's Bar.

The night, being nicknamed FinFest, will see eight bands take to the stage to play the music that Fin loved, with the spirit and enthusiasm that he embodied.

Pete Unwin, member of The George Cowley Experience, said it was first and foremost a celebration of Fin's life.

"We wanted to make it a celebration. I know it's a cliché, but he would have wanted it. He was a rocker until the last.

"He didn't enjoy good health in the last couple of years of his life. He suffered quite badly with asthma, but he lived for music until the end.

"I remember about a month before he died, he actually discharged himself from Worcestershire Royal to come and play a gig.

"He had to sit down on stage but he was there and then, after it finished, he went back to hospital. That sums him up. Music came first in his life."

Fin, born Robert Finnigan, was an instrumental member of the Worcester music scene for more than 40 years. During the 1970s he worked in the record department at the Russell & Dorrell department store.

"He was looked up to by all the kids," said Pete.

"They'd get all the latest 45s from him. He was the person in the know and very much looked up to for his knowledge throughout his life. He was like a walking encyclopaedia of the beat boom and early 60s blues."

At the time of his death, Fin was bass player in the Marr's Bar house band, guest artiste with The George Cowley Experience and about to debut for Dylan band The Royal Alberts. These bands, together with The Pewke Band, Jules Benjamin, Livewire, Gandhi's Walrus and Funky Skunk are all playing at Finfest on Friday, March 9. Admission on the night is by donation and all proceeds will go to Fin's family. The gig will start early to ensure all bands play.