A MEMORIAL concert is being held in honour of a musician who was at the forefront of Malvern's thriving rock scene in the 1970s.

Steve Dolan, who died of cancer back in May, was co-founder, along with his brother Mike, of Big Front Yard, a group which will be warmly recalled by many local music lovers.

This West Coast-influenced band played many memorable gigs, particularly at the Foley Arms Hotel, before eventually disbanding.

Steve, from Birmingham, played bass - both electric and stand-up - with top rockers such as Steve Gibbons, Trevor Burton and Ricky Cool, also with folk artist Johnny Coppin, and with Americans Tim Rose and Julie Mairs.

After the demise of Big Front Yard, Steve went on to record and play with international star Steve Winwood.

As a musician, Steve moved from rock to jazz, blues to folk with ease, always playing with great empathy in whatever genre.

In the last year, Steve and Mike reunited with drummer Keith Baker to form the DBs, and a CD was recorded.

The memorial concert is at the Marrs Bar, Pierpoint Street, Worcester, on Thursday, September 14, at 7.30pm, and will feature players and friends connected to Steve's time in Malvern.

It is one of two being held in the Midlands - the other is in Birmingham - to pay tribute to Steve, who is acknowledged by all who knew him as one of the very best rock musicians.

The DBs will be joined by guest bass player Gareth Sampson, brother of the late Keith "Sam" Sampson, guitarist with Big Front Yard.

Also on the bill are Luther Grosvenor (alias Ariel Bender), the guitarist from Spooky Tooth and Mott the Hoople, Johnny Coppin, Bat Whispers with guest Rob Mason and The Become.

Entry is £5, and proceeds from ticket and CD sales will go to Steve's family.