A GOLDEN anniversary concert at The Artrix in Bromsgrove will celebrate fifty years of The Strawbs.

Half a century ago, the band started life as the Strawberry Hill Boys before emerging into the mainstream from the exciting British Folk Movement of the mid 60s alongside other such luminaries as Fairport Convention, Pentangle, Al Stewart and Roy Harper. They’re playing at Artrix as part of the 50th Anniversary tour on Friday September 20, at 8pm.

A spokesman said: "Their first album with Sandy Denny attracted the attention of A&M Records in America and they became the first British Band to be signed by the famous label.

"Under the guidance of Herb Alpert & Gerry Moss, major chart success followed with seven consecutive albums in the Billboard charts, including classics ‘Bursting at the Seams’, ‘Grave New World’, ‘Hero & Heroine’, ‘Dragonfly’ and ‘Ghosts’, earning the band two Gold Albums along the way.

"Massive coast to coast American tours swiftly followed, sharing the stage with The Eagles, Santana and Frank Zappa."

The Strawbs are well-known for having the most amazing vocalists.

The spokesman added: "From the days of Sandy Denny pre Fairport and Sonja Kristina pre Curved Air, the band have enjoyed the finest of soloists in their ranks from Rick Wakeman followed by his son Oliver moving on to join Yes as well as Adam Wakeman joining Black Sabbath, Blue Weaver to The Bee Gees and Don Airey to Deep Purple.

"The Acoustic Strawbs of the 21st century consist of the founder, constant guiding force, originator and lead vocalist Dave Cousins, described by Rolling Stone Magazine as the best Dylan influenced songwriter to come out of the UK. Alongside him long-time band members lead guitarist Dave Lambert and the astonishingly versatile Chas Cronk, who together formed the front line of the classic 1970s Strawbs."

Tickets for The Strawbs 50th Anniversary Concert are available from the box office on 01527 577 330 or visit www.artrix.co.uk