Fresh from the blues clubs of London, Herts-based band The Untouchables are playing a charity gig in Wheathampstead next Saturday, May 31.

The four-piece outfit is returning to the Memorial Hall in Marford Road after a successful fundraiser there last year.

The band’s St Albans-based bass player Paul Green is looking forward to playing at a local venue. “We played there last April and we had such a good time we’re coming back to raise much-needed funds for the charity Herts Action on Disability (HAD).”

He will be joined by bandmates Keith Parker on vocals and harmonica, Pete Ellison on guitar and Malcolm Buckland on stripped-down drums.

Although their brand of upright bass was popular with jazz and blues bands in the 50s, it is a rare thing these days. Paul explained: “Although I started playing a bass guitar when I was 15, I soon changed to upright bass after hearing John Martyn’s long-time upright bass player Danny Thompson. I’ve been playing it ever since.”

Originally from Staffordshire, Paul has lived in St Albans for 20 years. Keith, Pete and Malcolm met at jam sessions in the Half Moon pub in Bishop’s Stortford and when they advertised for a bass player, Paul answered the online advert and got the job.

The Untouchables have played at various festivals in Europe over the years and this September they will be joining London Grammar as well as Outkast, Nile Rodgers and Paloma Faith at Bestival on the Isle of Wight.

Tickets for the Wheathampstead gig are £10, available from HAD’s Woodside Centre HQ in Welwyn Garden City or on the door. There will be a bar and Chicago-style hotdogs available.

Anyone who would like to join HAD’s fundraising team or organise an event should contact the charity on 01707 324581.