A band that was incredibly popular in Swindon during the 60s and 70s is reuniting almost 50 years later for a gig in honour of their missing member. 

Terry Alderton founded the band Green Steam along with John Krelle, Kay Nugent (Nee Guest), and John Hennessy in his garden shed using his mother's saucepans as drums and lids as cymbals.

Together they ended up with quite a large following, especially from such humble beginnings.

The band stayed together throughout the 60s and 70s and supported musical acts like Status Quo, Slade, John Hisemans, Colosseum, and others, but never quite managed to secure a recording contract for themselves.  

In the mid-70s, after 12 years of performing, the band decided to call it a day and go their separate ways. Although they still kept in touch, they ended up living in different countries and led separate lives ever since.

Swindon Advertiser: An old photo of the band Green Steam togetherAn old photo of the band Green Steam together (Image: John Hennessy)

That was until the sudden and unexpected death of Terry in June 2020 which would thrust the disparate members of Green Steam back together for a special gig in his name on December 10 at the Swiss Chalet. 

Two of the band members have had to put in some serious miles to return to Swindon for the gig. John Krelle flew over from California and Kay Nugent has traveled from Ireland. 

Bass guitarist John Hennessy, who has remained local, said: "The death of our drummer, Terry Alderton in June 2020 brought us all back together. Terry died suddenly and we all felt we would like to do our bit for the British Heart Foundation in his memory.

"Green Steam hasn't played together in one place for almost 50 years, but John said he didn't think that would be an issue. 

"Our passion for music has continued and we have spent the last few months rehearsing individually and the last week rehearsing together in Swindon.

"We have a JustGiving page and will be collecting on the evening. Kay has also put a CD together of 8 of our own songs, which we will be selling."

Joining the original members will be drummer Steve Gobey, and Kay's son Mark as additional guitar. 

The evening of music starts at 9pm and entry is free. There will be support from Steve Degutis and Glyn Durban.

All proceeds raised during the gig will go towards The British Heart Foundation.

Swindon Advertiser: A poster for the Green Steam reunion event at the Swiss Chalet in SwindonA poster for the Green Steam reunion event at the Swiss Chalet in Swindon (Image: John Hennessy)