COUNTRY rock pioneers The Rockingbirds come to The Rigger, in Newcastle, on Sunday – their first gig in the area for more than 15 years.

Reformed in 2009 to celebrate the reissue of their critically acclaimed debut record, the band have since accepted invitations to play both the Glastonbury and Big Session festivals.

Much loved equally by alternative music fans, country aficionados and singer-songwriter buffs, the album became a landmark release.

"We first got together in around 1989," says lead singer and acoustic guitar player, Alan Tyler. "Half of us are from London and the other half are from Norwich.

"We split up in 1995, but the opportunity came up to play together again, so we thought it would be a good time to do it."

Support comes from local live favourites Elvis Fontenot And The Sugar Bees, putting their own special Potteries spin on the Cajun and zydeco music of Louisiana.

The Rockingbirds will be at The Rigger, Newcastle, on Sunday at 7.30pm. For tickets, call 01782 523277.