Members of a 1960s group crossed continents and a 45-year time gap to reunite in Keighley yesterday.

John’s Followers were a group of Keighley lads who nearly made the big time, recording a single and touring Europe in their bid for teenage stardom.

But fame never arrived, so they split up and two members emigrated to New Zealand. And nearly half a century later the line-up is together again as they prepare for a charity gig in aid of keyboard player Andrew Pickles’ son Adam, currently in a coma after being attacked in Thailand last year.

Forty-one-year-old teacher Adam, of Keighley, was hit over the head with an iron bar and spent six months at the Royal Hospital for Neurodisability in London. Now he is being treated in Woodlands Respite Care Centre in York.

Adam’s family are trying to raise cash for his care and treatment – and the push includes Saturday’s reunion gig by John’s Followers at the New Keighley Variety Club.

Two of the band, retired engineers Trevor Tillotson, and John Loveday, both 66, have travelled all the way from New Zealand to take part. And it was their idea to get John’s Followers back together again, said bassist Trevor.

“John and I meet up now and again and two years ago we thought it might be a good idea to try and trace everyone. Thanks to social media, we were able to do just that by finding Andrew, then guitarist John Martin and drummer John Swain, “In a way it is coincidental with what happened to Andrew’s son, but it’s great to be able to help,” Trevor said.

“It’s brilliant – we’ve not stopped laughing since we got together and are really having a blast,” said guitarist and singer John.

Andrew Pickles explained the band’s history: “We worked for many years around Keighley, Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield and Sheffield. In 1968 we did a tour of Europe and worked in Milan for some time where we made a record. It’s just so good to have everyone back together after so long.”

The reunion gig is free and starts at 7.30pm with a collection of donations.