A VALE of Clwyd music event turned out to be a big hit with fans.

There was a ‘full house’ at the Feathers Inn, Ruthin, earlier this month when the former frontman of ELO2, Phil Bates, performed a concert for Ruthin AllStyles Music Club.

The popular singer, who now lives in Germany, makes it back to the club every two or three years and is always a big hit with the audience, performing a broad mix of covers and original material, with the occasional ELO classic thrown in too.

This time, he opened with a bluesy set before progressing onto more rocky numbers, including some of his own compositions that reflect a wry sense of humour, with songs such as “If I’d Known I’d Live This Long I’d Have Taken More Care Of Myself”.

He was joined on stage by his wife Jo, playing keyboard, Ruthin bassist John Rowell, and local musician Raphael Callaghan on harmonica.

The club is renowned for its highly popular singers’ nights, attracting musicians from all over the region to perform floor spots at their Thursday evening sessions, as well as the four or five concerts they put on each year.

In January, the club will be welcoming Wirral-based country duo Tennessee Waltz and in May, Ruthin’s Gary Edward Jones will be opening for the renowned Colorado singer-songwriter David Star.

Full details and booking information can be found on the club’s website www.ruthinallstyles.co.uk