Friends, family and fans are invited to the funeral of a legendary local musician who recently passed away .

Herts Advertiser: Colin Blunstone, Jim Rodford, Rod Argent, Tony's wife and Tony himself -far rightColin Blunstone, Jim Rodford, Rod Argent, Tony's wife and Tony himself -far right (Image: Archant)

Jim Rodford performed bass guitar regularly with The Rodford Files in St Albans, his birthplace, while also enjoying a star studded career playing for The Bluetones, The Kinks, The Zombies, and Argent.

He toured internationally with The Mike Cotton Sound, both for their own shows and as backing artists for Dusty Springfield, Gene Pitney, Elkie Brooks and P J Proby.

He also supported The Beatles for three weeks at Hammersmith Apollo and was awarded an Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Services to British Music.

Last year he was presented with an honorary degree by the University of Hertfordshire.

Herts Advertiser: Jim Rodford with his honorary degree. Picture: Pete Stevens.Jim Rodford with his honorary degree. Picture: Pete Stevens. (Image: 2017 Pete Stevens)

Jim passed away after falling down the stairs on January 20, aged 76.

The funeral will take place in St Albans Cathedral on Monday, February 12 at 1pm. All members of the St Albans community and beyond are welcome at the service.

Herts Advertiser: Jim Rodford with The Bluetones at the Pioneer Club when he was 20.Jim Rodford with The Bluetones at the Pioneer Club when he was 20. (Image: Archant)