SWINDON'S top heavy metal icon Steve Grimmett is guaranteed a mega reception when he bursts onto the stage at a ground-shaking rock festival later this year.

Steve, 57, from West Swindon, is the lead singer of popular metal band Grim Reaper.

He has spent the past few months recovering from having his leg amputated above the knee after an old wound on the bottom of his foot became infected and spread to his bones while on tour in South America.

But Steve is finally ready to take to the stage for the first time since January when his band flies to Germany for a gig in mid-July before returning to take part in the Upton-on-Severn Drunken Monkey Rock Festival in August.

Steve is currently learning to walk on a prosthetic leg and cannot wait to get back on stage and play for his adoring fans.

“I’m really looking forward to getting back out there,” said Steve, who has been stunned by fans’ support and fundraising to help cover the $25k Ecuador hospital bill and ongoing recuperation.

He said: "I'm doing ok at the moment, but I still need to take it easy. I'm still in the process of trying to find out whether or not I can carry on doing this in future."

Despite everything, he is feeling very confident about returning to the stage.

“I will reward everyone by getting back on stage - and walking round like I had two legs,” he said.

"The fans have been tremendous and all the encouragement I have received has been fantastic, and it is greatly appreciated.

"Since the amputation, there has hardly been a single day when I've been down about it. I have tried to remain strong at it's wonderful to know that I'll soon be back on stage."

Steve Coyne, chairman of the Upton-on-Severn Drunken Monkey festival's committee of volunteers, is thrilled to have Steve and the band on the bill for this year's show.

He said: “We’re really excited about this year’s festival. There will be some awesome performances and we are more than looking forward to rock legend Steve Grimmett’s comeback."