ROCKERS The Dan Reed Network, are headlining a gig in Swindon in aid of Fatboy’s Charity, for children with cancer.

On Friday, March 11 the American funk rock band who supported The Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi and David Bowie, will be jetting in to Level 3 nightclub, in Commercial Road.

Dan Reed, who grew up in South Dakota, took the rock ‘n’ roll road, beginning with school choirs and high school bands, before founding the Dan Reed Network (DRN) that was scooped up by Polgram in 1987.

It was Derek Shulman, who also discovered Bon Jovi, that took up DRN and helped them release three successful albums as well as tour with Run DMC and UB40.

In 1991 Dan met the Dalai Lama on a trip to India, and this was a catalyst to four years of his quest to uncover insights into religious conflicts, including spending time in a Tibetan Monastery.

Dan also studying acting, has won a number of television and film projects. He wrote the screenplay for the film ZigZag and took the leading role when it was produced in Portland in 1997.

Through all his journeys both literal and virtual, Dan always returned to his love of music, soaking up his life experiences and using them in his songwriting.

His record releases are a musical history of his life from his album, Coming Up For Air, written during his sojourn in Jerusalem and Northern India, to his solo CD, Signal Fire, which was about finding hope in a world of hypocrites.

Dan reunited with his old band last year to perform at the Download Festival in the UK, and they will be bringing out a new album this year, getting back to their rock roots with a dash of funk.

Dan said: “I just felt it was time to get back to something that feels real, organic and in tune with the current human condition.’’

Fatboy’s charity was set up by a group of police pals following the death of serving police officer, Mike Fatboy Lawless, in 1999. Mike was just 31-years-old when he died of cancer. He was a keen rugby player, a valued part of the police team, and a popular musician. He played guitar and sang with Swindon rock band, Animal House, that also featured his good friend and fellow police officer Mike Rees.

Fatboy’s Charity was set up primarily to buy Christmas presents for children with cancer.

Mike Rees said: “We have seen for ourselves that such a gesture at a special time of year can have an elevating effect on a child, seeing the delight on their faces makes the work more than worthwhile.’’

Since the beginning through fundraising activities including the annual Day of Lawlessness, rugby benefit matches and musical nights, the charity has raised more than £100,000 for various cancer related causes.

Mike’s friends renamed the band, The Lawless, a fitting tribute to a former policeman, and they will be supporting the Dan Reed Network at Level 3.

There will be a raffle and auction. Tickets are from £10. (There are a limited quantity of open public tickets available from <mike.rees@fatboyscharity.co.uk>- Flicky Harrison