TO share the stage with a legendary rock band such as Queen would be the stuff of dreams for many a musician.

One of Evesham's most famous musical sons can lay claim to more than that - as he topped the bill over Freddie Mercury's band as a member of Mott the Hoople.

That man is none other than Luther Grosvenor - aka Ariel Bender - who played with the band from 1973 to 1974, earning themselves a place in the Guinness Book of Records as the first rock and roll act to play Broadway in America.

The sell-out tour with Queen was a high point for the band, whose success resulted in gold and silver discs, numerous appearances on Top of The Pops and seven tours of the US.

"It was wonderful because we travelled together and all times and the two bands were very close,'' Luther said.

He will be returning to his roots when he plays Worcester's Marr's Bar on Saturday, September 24, with his group The Ariel Bender Band.

Luther was born in Evesham and went to the town's Swan Lane First and Evesham High schools, leaving for the capital when he was 19.

It was in Evesham where the 59-year-old met the late Jim Capaldi, former drummer with the band Traffic, and played with in a band called Deep Feeling.

He finally shot to fame in the 60s after joining the internationally-renowned rock band Spooky Tooth.

A string of albums and international tours ensued and it was during a festival appearance in the Everglades, Florida, in front of 300,000 fans he was asked by Ian Hunter of Mott the Hoople to join them.

Luther replaced Mick Ralphs on guitar, who left to form Bad Company and his stage name Ariel Bender was given to him by Ian Hunter.

After a year with the group, responsible for hits such as All The Young Dudes, he formed Widowmaker, recording two albums and supporting the likes of The Who.

His current musical incarnation came about meeting guitarist Jim Houghton as he played at his local pub in Streatham, London - with Jim suggesting they put a band together. After much persuasion, Luther eventually agreed about a year ago and vocalist Marc Eden was signed.

Former Christians' members Paul Walsham and Mike Triggs then joined on drums and keyboards. .

Now they are getting ready to bring their show to Worcester, for what Luther, who also played with Stealer's Wheel, said he hoped would be his triumphant return.

Tickets for Friday's concert are £7 in advance or £10 on the door.