One of Bradford's best-known rock 'n' rollers will miss a concert for the first time in 40 years after contracting a rare lung disease.

Spike O'Brien, keyboard player with the legendary band The Dingos, is ill in Bradford Royal Infirmary.

And when The Dingos take part in their annual Rock 'n' Roll Revival gig on Friday, it will be the first time for four decades that he will not be on stage with them.

The rest of the band have visited him at his bedside and hope to video the show for him to see later.

Spike, 58, who lives in Tyersal, was told a year and a half ago that he had pulmonary fibrosing alveolitis.

Until six weeks ago he was still in good health and was able to perform in last year's reunion concert.

"Unfortunately I then had a chest infection which I didn't catch in time and it's left me like this. I can't walk and I permanently need oxygen," said Spike. The musician is now waiting to be assessed for a possible lung transplant which he hopes would allow him to go back to leading a normal life. "Until I got this chest infection I was still able to walk because it was treatable with steroids," said Spike. "It's a one in 100,000 chance of catching this disease and it's terminal. But you operate on one lung so hopefully I will be suitable for a transplant."

Garth Cawood, vocalist with The Dingos, said: "We all wish Spike the very best and are all hoping he gets better and can perform with us again."

The Dingos have drafted in Drew Charles as Spike's replacement on keyboards for the concert, which has been switched to Pudsey Civic Hall instead of its usual Midland Hotel in Bradford.

Tickets for the show, which will also feature Juke Box Jive and The Brian T Strollers, are £8.50 and available in advance from Pudsey Civic Hall, by ringing (01253) 297945 or on the door.

There will be a raffle on the night, with proceeds split between ward 8 at BRI, where Spike is being cared for, and the British Lung Foundation's Breathe Easy club at Leeds General Infirmary. Donations can be made by ringing (0113) 277 7701 or sending a cheque made payable to Leeds and District Breathe Easy Group to Rhona Brown, 24 Northcote Green, Leeds LS11 6TY.

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