Air guitar with a hero

Coun Lindsay Pitchley met former Genesis lead guitarist Steve Hackett when he visited the town to pass on a £2,100 donation from sales of a book charting Rotherham’s classis rock history.

“I play air guitar quite regularly - it’s a bit of fun,” said Coun Pitchley.

“It’s caused a few laughs at the Town Hall and when my team discovered a guitar legend was coming to Rotherham Hospice they got me an invite.”

Steve, described as one of the UK’s most influential guitarists and the inspiration for rock stars including Eddie Van Halen and Brian May, presented a cheque for cash raised from Rotherham Rocked, penned by security manager Martin Hudson, who wrote about launching Rotherham’s Classic Rock Society in 1991, which has since grown to national prominence and has see Rotherham stage 350 concerts with some of the biggest names in rock, including Rick Wakeman, who became CRS honorary president and urged Martin to write the book.

Martin said: “Steve Hackett has become a friend over the years and played several sell-out concerts here. He is writing a new album and preparing for a UK tour next spring but found time to come to Rotherham to make our presentation rock.”

Life-long fan Mark Clowes, we made a donation to the hospice in exchange for meeting his hero, said: “Thanks to all at the hospice for arranging this event. It was a real privilege to meet one of my heroes. I’m looking forward to seeing him play in Sheffield next year.”

Email [email protected] to purchase Rotherham Rocked in aid of the hospice.