AS final preparations continue for next month’s John Bonham celebrations in Redditch, a further act has been added to the line up.

Eric Bell, the co-founder of international rock band Thin Lizzy is set to perform with his band as part of an event to commemorate John Bonham’s 75th birthday.

Bell played on Thin Lizzy’s first three albums: Thin Lizzy, Shades Of A Blue Orphanage and Vagabonds Of The Western World and on the track Whiskey In The Jar, but he left the band at the end of 1973.

The performance kicks off the Eric Bell Band’s tour of the UK and the set will include classic hits such as “Whiskey in the Jar” along with new music.

Event Director, Ros Sidaway, said: “We are thrilled to have the Eric Bell Band join us to mark John’s 75th Birthday here in Redditch.

“Eric’s duelling guitar playing with Phil Lynott was legendary during those early Thin Lizzy years, and now, more as a blues musician, Eric continues to enthral audiences with his music.

“This year, it’s been incredibly tough to obtain sponsorship to cover the costs of staging the event which totals around £15k.

“We still have packages available if any business, organisation or individual would like to be a sponsor. Or we can tailor a package to suit.”

The Eric Bell Band joins headliner Led into Zeppelin, and other acts including Birmingham’s boogie blues band Vincent Flatts Drive, CODA- A Tribute to Led Zeppelin and Taxi for Jesus to perform under the Canopies in Redditch on Saturday, May 27.

The event will also be raising money funds for Teenage Cancer Trust West Midlands.

In a further announcement, Ros said this will be her final year as Event Director for the John Bonham annual celebrations, a voluntary role that she’s fulfilled for five years.