WHEN Trowbridge music supporter Alan ‘Peewee’ Hunt lost his battle with cancer in September, he died before friends and family, including his son Elliot Sykes, had finished organising gigs intended to benefit his final months.

Now Elliot, and friends Mark Eden and Phil Cooper, have arranged two gigs at the Village Pump, to pay tribute to the well-known landlord and to help cover the costs of his funeral and fund a memorial to him.

As well as being a musician who played with bands such as Mechanical Horsetrough and Lucy LaStique, Peewee ran his Real Ale bar in Castle Street for many years and was then landlord of the White Swan in Church Street, where he supported many up-and-coming bands, encouraged youngsters and was always ready to help a band trying to get experience playing live by offering them a gig.

Mark said: “Sub:luminal reformed after nine years for the first gig and Peewee’s son Elliot is filling in on guitar as he was a huge fan when he was younger.

"Tim at Crest studios in Trowbridge has given us free rehearsals to help with the costs. We’d ask all music fans to please join the tribute: we want to give something back and also raise a glass to the big man.”

Peter Macgregor of the Village Pump has also waived his usual fees for the venue.

The line-up due to perform at the venue in Mortimer Street tonight is Sub:luminal (with Elliot Sykes), Sergeant Thunder-hoof, The Perfect Excuse, World’s Best Dad and Bib. Next Saturday the acts will be The Haiku, After Aura, Lara Mackay-Morris, The Pigeons and Leander Morales.

Tickets are £4 on the door.