After 2,000-plus gigs in the UK and Europe, veteran Essex rhythm and blues outfit Automatic Slim stopped touring in 1998.

The four members of the band - singer Tim Aves, guitarist Ian Cundy, bassist Howard J Bills and drummer Don Moore - are reuniting this autumn to play a one-off charity gig for Essex Air Ambulance and to mark the 20th anniversary of the band's formation.

Frontman Tim said: "We did more than 16 years on the road with more or less the same lineup. In the end, I suppose it was old age that got us. That's basically why we decided to jack it in.

"Ian, our guitar player, broke his pelvis last year in a fall at work, right in the middle of nowhere up at Bradwell.

"The air ambulance got him to hospital in a matter of minutes, which meant he was able to get prompt treatment. As a result, he has made a full recovery."

The band will perform at the Witham Rugby Club, in Witham, on Friday November 1, when the band will also launch a brand new CD called Growing Old Disgracefully.

The album will be a mixture of brand new tracks, recorded this summer in a local studio, and previously unreleased live recordings from gigs back in 1995.

Tickets for the gig, which also features Suffolk band, the Makeshifts, cost £8. For details, call 01621 785065, or visit www.automaticslim.co.uk

Another busy month at Chinnerys.

On October 24, rock group Engerica - supported by Whoremoan and Martyr - hit the stage. Tickets are just £3 and the doors open at 8.30pm.

If you're into hardcore music, then you'll enjoy the all dayer at Chinnery's on Southend Seafront on November 10.

You can catch 4ft Fingers and Whitmore who will in turn be supported by Intensive Care, Airhammer, BoWeevil, the Big and SilverSkin.

Tickets are £6 in advance and the doors open at 2pm.

The Commitments will appear at Chinnery's on October 30. The band is lead by original member - and lead vocalist for the last 12 years - Dave Finnegan, and contains other members from the cast of the original film.

Tickets are £8 in advance from Fives Records in Leigh, Honky Tonk and PMT music stores in Southend or Chinnery's itself, or £10 on the night. You can also buy tickets at www.wayahead.com or on the credit card hotline of 0115 9129000.

The Vocalzone is back at the Clarence Yard in Clarence Street, Southend on November 4. Expect the best vocalists in country, jazz, funk, latin and easy listening. Old and new members are welcome and the gig is from 8pm to 11pm. Admission is just £3 and a new website is on its way.

Chelmsford Army & Navy

The legendary Army and Navy venue in Chelmsford is to close. The last gig ever will be on Saturday, October 19. Bands such as Oasis, Travis, A and Tenpole Tudor, to Electric Soft Parade and John Otway have all played there.

Before that Goldrush will be appearing at the venue on Thursday.

Acoustic rock band Goldrush have done things the hard way. The band have honed their sound in the sleepy countryside around Oxford and paid their dues in the city's toilet venues.

As a result debut album Don't Bring Me Down is a shining example of hard toil over a record label marketing campaign. Now they are giving it a crack at the big time.

There is a hint of Coldplay-style tunefulness about their music - minus the gargantuan and impersonal crowds. The catchy Wide Open Sky and delightful Same Picture are gems and bound to be highlights of the live set.

Goldrush, Longview - Chelmsford Army and Navy, Thursday, October 17, 7.30pm, Tickets £6, 01245 354155.

Published Tuesday October 15, 2002

Brought to you by the Evening Echo