YORKSHIRE’S popular AC/DC tribute band Highway to Hull is playing a last gig with its lead singer who is leaving the band.

And the group is appealing to anyone who likes AC/DC and who can sing to consider joining them on stage at gigs across the region.

Thought to be among the best AC/DC tribute bands in the country, the group - whose name is a play on the famous AC/DC song ‘Highway To Hell’ - is returning to Bingley Arts Centre on Saturday October 12 to play with Charlie Kunz before he before he moves to live in a different part of the country.

The vocalist brought with him the ability to cover the very best AC/DC songs from both the Bon Scott and Brian Johnson eras.

“He is capable of singing like both the Bon Scott in the early years of AC/DC and also just as capable of singing like Brian Johnson on the later AC/DC albums. That is a rare quality,” says the longest serving member of the group, drummer Matthew Wildman. “We want to put on an extra special show, so we are pulling out all the stops, inviting guests to perform with Charlie, bringing out the stage canons and playing an extended list of AC/DC’s greatest hits. We are really going to miss him when he relocates, and not just for his vocal talent.”

He adds: “We want to carry on the high standard that he has set, so we are already offering auditions to anyone who wants a go at filling his shoes. He will be hard to replace.”

The band play part-time, so anyone joining could fit it in among other commitments. “They just need to be able to sing AC/DC and enjoy what they are doing,” says Matthew.

The gig will see the biggest and longest performance that the band have ever put on in one evening. They will be playing a specially extended set containing many more AC/DC songs than usual. “There won’t even be time to fit in a support band,” says Matthew, though extra surprises and guests are planned to ensure that this will be a show to remember. “Charlie will get one heck of a send off,” says Matthew.

Other band members are lead guitarist Andrew Steel, Mick ‘The Metal’ Walsh on rhythm guitar and Malcolm Moorhouse playing bass.

The band was the idea of lead guitar Andrew Farrell who originally formed local Rock group Sensei in the early 90’s and brought the band members back together for his new band. Over the years, there have been several different line ups.

Highway to Hull has performed across Yorkshire, headlining outdoor festivals as well as playing at smaller specialist venues.

Mick says: “Charlie will be missed by the band and fans alike. He has an onstage persona that naturally entertains.” Adds Andrew: “As this is the last big stage gig with Charlie, we expect to sell out - that tells you just how popular Charlie is.”

Anyone who feels they can fill the band’s vacancy can email highwaytohull@hotmail.co.uk, message them on facebook.com/HighwayToHull or call Matthew on 01274 599774.

Tickets for the gig on October 12 are available from Bingley Arts Centre box office on 01274 567983. Book online at bingleyartscentre.co.uk/events or visit ticketsource.co.uk/bingleyartscentre