MUSIC promoter Michael Thompson's efforts to revive 60s band The Thimbleriggers has received a boost from Down Under.

Former singer John Loveday hopes to meet his one-time band-mates next month during a visit to Keighley from his New Zealand home.

He contacted Michael -- who runs Keighley-based MMM Promotions -- with his reminiscences about the group.

Michael is releasing one of the Thimbleriggers' songs on CD and appealed in the Keighley News for word of the former members.

John sang with the band for several years until it disbanded in 1967 then he sang with John's Followers.

The Followers, whose bassist Trevor Tillotson also lives in New Zealand, toured and recorded in Europe.

John performed in the Thimbleriggers with lead guitarist Tony Tretton, bassist Dave Tee, and rhythm guitarists John "Gus" Sugden and Phil Pickles.

Although John gave up England he did not give up music, and for 12 years fronted a "very successful" band.

He says: "I am now doing a duo act with my old sax-player friend. We use sequencers, it seems that is the way to go these days."

nFree copies will be available at the launch of a new compilation album of local bands and DJs.

Koe Music, brainchild of Keighley musician Johann Shepherd, has put together the Hear Plug CD.

Each month 2000 copies of the disc will distributed to more than 100 outlets throughout the Aire and Worth valleys.

They will be accompanied by adverts from local retail companies as well as music promotions.

Johann launches his CD with a day of music-related attractions followed by an evening concert, both at the Parkside Social Club in Haworth.

There will be a musician's forum, live DJ, raffle, stalls selling unsigned bands' CDs and merchandise, refreshments and the chance for bands to swap unwanted equipment.

The free-entry open day on April 19 begins at 1.30pm at the Butt Lane club and admission to the 7.30-11pm concert by local bands is £2.50.

Contact Johann on 07979 805777 for details and stall bookings or e-mail him on johann@koemusic.co.uk.

nThe Powder Monkeys play their rock and pop in support of the Blue Arsed Flies tonight at the Love Apple in Bradford.

The Powder Monkeys hope to tour Ireland for ten days in summer and will soon play Joseph's Well and the New Roscoe.

nGeorge Melly is one of three Giants of Jazz playing with their bands in Halifax on April 27.

Kenny Ball and Humphrey Lyttelton will also be on stage at the Victoria Theatre for the 7.30pm concert.

Melly has this time teamed up with trumpet player Digby Fairweather and his Half Dozen .

Book at Keighley Information Centre in the town hall or telephone 01422 351158.

nChristine Collister played Haworth last year as a guest of Spiv Promotions -- now it's the turn of her former musical partner.

Clive Gregson also fronted R'n'B band Any Trouble and worked with Ian Matthews in Plainsong.

He brings his solo show from Nashville for a short UK tour arriving at the Parkside Social Club on May 24.

Book tickets on 01535 642566.

nHush plays rock/pop covers and originals at the Greenwood Inn, Bierley, on Sunday, and the Royal, Clayton, on April 25.

nColne Municipal Hall hosts concerts by tribute bands B'Eagles (tonight 8.30pm) and Cream'd (tomorrow 8.30pm). Phone 01282 661234.

Glam rock returns to Bradford as three top 70s groups play St George's Hall on April 24 at 7.30pm.

Showaddywaddy, Sweet and The Rubettes perform songs like Under the Moon of Love, Three Steps to Heaven, Wigwam Bam, Sugar Baby Love and Fox on the Run.

Book at Keighley Information Centre in the town hall or phone 01274 432000.

nBurnley National Blues Festival this year features American legends Louisiana Red, Bobby Parker, Otis Grand and Deitra Farr.

Dr Feelgood, Mike Andersen and Cadillac Kings also play the April 18-20 event at Burnley Mechanics.

There will be a Chicago Blues review featuring Willie Kent, Eddy Clearwater and Bonnie Lee. Details and tickets from 01282 664400.