THERE will be a notable absence from the Furness gig listings in 2017, as one of the area's most popular live bands prepares to call it quits - for now, at least.

Ulverston outfit Dig A Pony have established themselves as a headline name since forming more than two years ago, and picked up a loyal following for their accomplished performances of The Beatles back catalogue.

However, vocalist and guitarist Jason Berry is heading off travelling, meaning that the band will have to be put on hold for the foreseeable future.

"I've decided to go travel the world for a year or so, and the guys have been awesome enough to hang on until - or if - I return," he says.

Guitarist Matt Cowe, bassist James Clark, and drummer Will Dove will join him on stage for one final time on Saturday December 3 at the Basement Bar, in Ulverston.

It could be an emotional night, with all four members having invested a lot of time and effort into making a name for themselves in their own right.

Jason continues: "Let's be honest, if you're playing some of the greatest songs ever written you're always going to go down well aren't you?

"I guess Dig A Pony has exceeded my expectations. I always knew that there would be appetite for a Beatles cover band in the area but I wasn't sure if I was up to the task of vocals, if I'm honest. I'd never sung before in a band and had actually planned to get a singer in if I couldn't do it well enough.

"This is helped in part by the number of people who are kind enough to come up to us at the end of a show and say the loveliest things."

It seems unusual that people could hold a band that plays covers in such high regard, but Dig A Pony have carved out a reputation for putting on exceptionally professional performances.

They also refrained from any "tribute band-style" gimmicks, and the fact that they have concentrated on filling much of their set-list with lesser-heard Beatles tracks from their later years.

"If I do come back to Ulverston, there's no doubt I'd like to carry on and do something big with Dig A Pony," adds Jason.

"Coronation Hall with an orchestra, you say?

"I'd just like to say thank you so much to all of our loyal supporters - we are very fortunate to have such loyal fans. Also to my bandmates, James, Will and Matt, who are the best guys I've ever worked with. I'm going to miss playing with them very much."

Catch Dig A Pony's final show, with a DJ set from Dane Shields, at the Basement Bar, in Ulverston, on Saturday December 3, from 9pm. Tickets are available from the Sun Inn.


<hr size=2>

DIG A PONY PICK THEIR "FAB FOUR"

Which is the ultimate Beatles track?

<b>JASON: I Want You (She's So Heavy) </b>

"We've played this at every gig since we started and is certainly a highlight for me. I urge everyone who hasn't already done so to stick this on in the car at full blast. I get goose bumps during the instrumental outro."

<b>MATT: I Am The Walrus </b>

"It's a brilliant mesh of great songwriting, playing and production."

<b>WILL: Yer Blues </b>

"I'll say Yer Blues as it's so much fun to play, and it's a great tune."

<b>JAMES: Her Majesty </b>

"The Beatles' final track on the final album (Abbey Road) is listed as The End. Well, after The End comes something more, Her Majesty."