ONE of Wales' top country and western bands will be back on stage next weekend, 14 years after they last played together.

Throughout the 1980s, DC and the Dudes were one of the country's top country and western bands, performing regularly on radio and television.

The five band members, leader Dai (D. C.) Rees, John Rodge (lead guitar), Clive Richards (bass), Barry Fowler (pedal steel) and Dai Williams (drums), last played together in 1988, before going their separate ways, but have now re-formed for a special one-off charity concert in memory of their former road manager and his wife, who both died on the same day last year.

Dai, who lives in Tenby, told the Observer that the idea to return to the stage had been sparked by the death of their former roadie, Hugh Farmer, of Hakin, and his wife, Mary.

"Hugh travelled around with us for many years, and came with me to help out when I went solo," he explained.

"He was a very big man, about 6' 3", and was known as the John Wayne of Hakin," he smiled. "Although he could stop any trouble at our gigs just by standing up, he was a very kind man and was always doing something for somebody."

Dai, who used to own a shoe shop in Tenby, but now runs a shoe repair business in Haverfordwest, said that Mr. Farmer died of a heart attack at Withybush Hospital at the age of 65, just hours before his wife of 44 years, Mary, who was at the same hospital having suffered a stroke some months earlier. She also had cancer.

"We were all absolutely shattered," said Dai. "They had been faithful supporters and true friends for over 20 years."

Dai explained that the band met up again at the couple's joint funeral, where the idea of a special charity tribute concert had been born.

"All of us have lost relatives trough cancer or strokes; I personally lost a cousin at the age of 52 to cancer and another of my family is in a nursing home following a severe stroke at a young age."

Dai revealed that the intervening years had not seemed to have any effect on DC and the Dudes.

"We had a rehearsal recently and it seemed like we'd never been apart," he said. "Everything just dropped into place. We had a brilliant time and we are all really looking forward to getting back on stage again.

"The only thing is that we probably won't be able to wear our old costumes. I tried my shirt on the other day and it didn't fit at all!"

All proceeds of the concert, which will also include guest artistes, will go to the Paul Sartori Cancer Foundation and Ward 14 of Withybush Hospital, where stroke patients are treated.

The concert takes place at the Masonic Hall, Milford Haven, on Saturday, January 26.

Tickets are available on the door and the advice is to arrive early to avoid disappointment.