A BLAST from the past will be hitting Rubery this weekend when Stella II get their groove back.

During the early 1990s Bromsgrove-based band Stella II enjoyed a solid local following playing blues and rock in many town and Birmingham venues.

But the band split when Bromsgrove brothers Steve "Septic" Gilder and Andy "Stixx" Gilder packed their bags and left to seek their fortunes in Austin, Texas.

Following two successful reunion gigs in the USA when fellow band members Keith Rosamond and Telboy Thomas flew out to join the brothers, the band have now decided to return to their roots and are holding a reunion in Rubery.

The flying fingers of lead guitarist Steve Gilder, back in the UK for the first time in about 12 years, will join Keith and Tel for the one-off gig but unfortunately Andy will not be stepping back in time to recreate the band's heady days of success.

Keith told the Advertiser/Messenger: "Unfortunately, Andy will not be able to fly over the pond due to business commitments but he will be ably replaced by Paul Hancox who has played drums with The Mindbenders, Chicken Shack and Mungo Jerry.

"We will be pleased to see any familiar faces from yesteryear."

The Grin and Bare It 2001 re-union is taking place at the Hawthorns Social Club, in Rednal Hill Lane, Rubery, this Saturday.

The doors open at 7.30pm and the evening will also features several special guests.

Keith added: "Be there or be the wrong shape." Admission is free.