A ROCK 'n' Roll concert celebrating the life of a popular Furness rocker will take place in Barrow this weekend.

The show has been organised for Alan Griffiths, who is terminally ill with cancer, as a way of saying farewell to friends and family that have joined him on the music scene since the 1970s.

Rockabilly band The Hayriders, who have played in Barrow twice previously, will be back for the show at the Kill One in Duke Street, alongside Phil Haley and the Comments, who last visited earlier this year.

Originally formed in 1982 as The Rockin’ Renegades, The Hayriders steadily climbed the bill of successive Birmingham all-dayers culminating in supporting American legend Mac Curtis. They went on to tour the UK and Europe before going their separate ways as the scene slowed down in the late 80s, but in 2010 they reformed with unfinished business – to record the LP they never had time for first time around.

Their reinvigorated line-up saw one of the best rockabilly guitarists in the country, Darren Lince of Space Cadets, join the vastly experienced outfit, and the long-awaited record has since been completed.

Hayridin' is a 12-track album featuring the best of their self-penned tracks, many of which will feature in this weekend's set.

Phil Haley and the Comments, as the name suggests, are a well-regarded tribute to the originator of the genre, Bill Haley and his band.

The live show features not only all the big Bill Haley hits but a lot of their own material. With a highly-visual stage show, the performance is more than just a dance band, and with vocalist Laura Ashleigh also on board to perform Brenda Lee and Wanda Jackson numbers, it promises to be a top night of nostalgia.

Pete's '40s & '50s Record Hop will also be providing the tunes before and in between sets and late into the evening with some classic floor-fillers.

Alan says: "I'm not sad as I feel like I have had a brilliant life with no regrets.

"If it wasn't for friends and family perhaps I would have faded away two weeks ago.

"With that in mind, I thought I'd organise a 'Farewell Rockabilly' night to say thanks to all my family, friends and mates and throw a party no-one will forget."

Money raised from the concert will go to the British Legion and Macmillan Cancer Support.

The show takes place at the Kill One on Sunday July 17. Doors open at 5pm, and entrance is £12 on the door.