ROCK group Ipanema Katz, once described by the late DJ Tommy Vance as "one of my favourite bands", is reforming for a one-off reunion gig in Malvern

The band returns to the stage for the special 21st anniversary concert, billed as the St Valentine's Day Mascara, next weekend.

Russell Simon and Paul Taylor formed the Katz in 1985 in Malvern, and Simon still lives in town.

They were joined by Geordie drummer Paul Nichols, whose credits include classic folk-rock band Lindisfarne and rock festival favourites Widow Maker, and bass player Paul "Sooty" Stutt.

The band released singles such as Nite Kixx and Sister Resister/Hot Tonite to critical acclaim in Kerrang! magazine.

They played some of the best, and most of the worst, venues in the country and appeared on radio and TV shows with the likes of Welsh rockers The Alarm.

They recorded an album, but the band fell out with the production/management team, who wanted to push them in a more commercial direction, and it was never released.

After two final shows at the legendary Marquee Club in London, they called it a day, going their separate ways in 1990.

But now Russell, Paul Taylor and Paul Nichols are back for this one-off show, with the help of bass player Justin Willis.

"It's been a bit of a slog getting it all back together," said Russell, "But I think we can slip back into our old ways without too much effort.

"Drinking and smoking too much, and playing pool and Frisbee when we should have been rehearsing was never too much of a problem with us."

The gig is on Saturday, February 18, at the RSRE Social Club, Malvern Link at 7.30pm. Tickets are £3 on the door.