Sixty-six-year-olds Richard Salmon and Bill Wright are celebrating a colourful life on the road since forming The Intruders five decades ago with a charity gig.

And the atmosphere is sure to be electric when the band steps on to the stage at the Parkway Club this month, for the group has built up a loyal fanbase over the years.

To mark their anniversary milestone, the two original members, Richard and Bill, decided to do what they do best – make music that people can dance to.

The gig will raise cash for Sue Ryder Care Thorpe Hall Hospice, Peterborough.

The band, which was a four-piece, formed at school and went on to pack out city venues, including the Corn Exchange, between 1959 and 1962, supporting acts such as radio band Bob Miller and The Millermen, Johnny Kidd and The Pirates, Screaming Lord Sutch and Shane Fenton, now known as Alvin Stardust, and the Fentones.

"The Intruders are still performing today, with myself and Bill Wright left from the original line-up," said Richard.



"Sadly, Terry, the vocalist, died early in 2006, and Gabe retired from the band a while ago."

He added: "I have carried on for 50 years for the buzz and enjoyment, and I will carry on until people stop turning up."

Richard of Fairfield, Fletton, Peterborough, plays lead guitar when he is not working as a manager at a Bookmakers, while Mr Wright sings and plays rhythm guitar.

They still play 12 or so gigs, mainly for charity, a year.

Richard said: "We got together at school and when I was an apprentice at Hotpoint, we got another member.

"Perhaps people have heard of us but not seen us. We are getting on a bit so they may not get the chance again.

"People like jiving and not there are not many places you can do it."

The gig takes place on Friday, October 24 at the Parkway Club, in Maskew Avenue, from 8pm.

Tickets cost £6 and are available from the club, Sue Ryder, or by calling Richard on 01733 760304.