By Terry Pattinson

A POPULAR regional blues band, RoadRunner, is about to disband after 20 years on the road.

Lead vocalist, front man and founder Andy Rudd, 37 next month, said he is planning four more gigs before they hang up their instruments at Christmas.

He said: “All good things come to an end. We have a had a great time.”

He also revealed that two decades of loud music have taken a toll on his hearing.

Andy, said: “I should have protected my ears a lot more, and I have now got tinnitis, a severe hearing complaint.”

Andy, a former Reading Chronicle reporter, sang the praises of his fellow band members, who have changed a lot over two decades of playing in pubs and clubs and many other venues.

During that time they recorded two albums, Unfinished Business' and 'Riding with RoadRunner.'

He said: “We have become good friends, as well as band members, and I would like to thank them all.

“While I am gutted that the band is coming to an end I am grateful it has allowed me to met some really talented musicians along the way.”

Andy, from Hook who is married with a three-year-old daughter, founded his band in a scout hut 20 years ago and they invariably dress in the 'Blues Brothers' mode, complete with Trilby hats.

He said: “The line up has changed over the years and we have built up a large fan base.”

His band members are Matt Oliver, 33, lead guitar; Kiran Amliwala, 36, bass player Ed Dowthwaite, 60,and drummer Terry Hotston, 57.

Their last show, a 'soul supper', will be in the village hall at Grazeley, Berks, on December 19.

Andy added: “There is food available but people must bring their own drinks.” There will be fish and chips or a veggie option.

For tickets contact SueHearn@btopenworld.com.

For more background visit www.Facebook.com/RoadRunnerBlues.