AN under-rated and often overlooked band with more than 45 years of continuous service will aim to prove they remain a significant and challenging force in rock and roll when they come to Worcester.

The Pretty Things led the British beat boom in the early 60s along with The Beatles and The Rolling Stones - now they take on a gig at the Huntingdon Hall on Tuesday, March 5 as part of their 50th anniversary tour.

Their importance is symbolised by the fact guitarist Dick Taylor even chose to leave The Rolling Stones, which he had formed with Mick Keith, to pursue a more raw level of energy.

Their hard-edged blues-rock, influenced by Bo Diddley and Jimmy Reed, transformed into psychedelic rock and still led by lead singer Phil May they will hope to show the audience they have lost none of their power or edge.

Iggy Pop, The Ramones, The Sex Pistols, Nirvana and The Libertines are among the great and good who have acknowledged them as a primal influence and guiding light over the years.

They are even credited as penning the first ever rock opera in the form of S. F. Sorrow in 1967, preceding The Who’s seminal Tommy.

The show starts at 8pm and tickets are £18.50.

For more information and tickets, go to worcesterlive.co.uk or call the box office on 01905 611427.