HE PLAYED with some of the biggest names of the 1970s and 80s – and now he will be remembered in a special fundraising evening coming to Bridport for one night only.

Mick Burt was the original drummer for Chas & Dave, performing from 1975 until 2009. He died in 2014 after a battle with Parkinson’s disease and dementia.

Now, his son Tony is holding a series of gigs touring across the country to remember his dad, and raise funds for two charities he says are ‘absolutely amazing’.

The event will come to the Ropemakers’ pub in Bridport from 4pm to 10pm on Sunday, September 30. Entry is free but there will be a raffle and opportunities to donate to Parkinson’s UK and Dementia UK.

Tony is bringing the tour to places where he knows local musicians, and plenty of people from the West Dorset area will be performing on the night.

He is also bringing his dad’s iconic yellow drum kit along.

Tony said: “Dad really had some stories. He played with Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers, he played the Star Club in Hamburg with the Beatles, he supported and played with Bo Diddley. That’s how he met Chas, who was playing on bass.

He played for Jerry Lee Lewis in 1968 and toured with Eric Clapton in 1980.”

Mr Burt kept performing, despite being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in the 1990s. He was later also diagnosed with dementia.

Tony said: “Dad suffered with both conditions and mum died two years later, so it’s all very close to home. Before it all happened we didn’t know anything about the support or help available from the charities. So it’s about raising money to support them, because neither get funding from the government, and also about raising awareness so people going through this know about the help that’s out there.”

The first gig in the series was held in Wales, where Tony lives – and it was so successful that he’s been asked to return next year.

He added: “I want to thank everyone who’s agreed to perform at the Ropemakers, and all the local people and businesses who have offered raffle prizes. There’s been a great amount of support.

“We’re looking forward to a really good night so come on down and help us raise as much money as possible, and have some fun.”