AFTER seven surreal years in the music industry, Southend’s favourite theatrical rock band are throwing in the towel.

4ft Pimp, known for their peculiar performances, which in the past have included a meat raffle in the middle of their set, are parting company.

But for fans, who include Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi, there’s one more chance to witness the bizarre band as they play a farewell gig at Chinnery’s, on Sunday.

In traditional 4ft Pimp-style, there’ll be a flamboyant fancy dress contest with prizes during the show, and a free CD with previously unheard recordings to give away.

“Our shows have always been a bit unusual,” admits lead singer Greg Kiss. “From the bone china tea parties to tombolas backed with lounge music, they are quite animated. There’s always been a certain amount of showing off too.”

Yet, aside from their wacky on-stage antics, the rock band have reached some real highs over the years.

In 2007, Coke and iTunes dubbed 4ft Pimp the best unsigned student band in the UK, and the Black Sabbath axeman chose the boys as the winners of the Black Sunday Unsigned Band Competition, a year earlier. They’ve also played more than 100 gigs in south Essex and London.

“We have always been unsigned, but got close to getting a deal on a few occasions,” says Greg. “We have been a pretty unlucky band and had some missed opportunities.”

So why are the boys, all 24 years old, and from Southend, calling it a day? “We are all heading in different directions,” says Greg. “It’s quite sad to be ending it, but I think we’re just growing apart.”

Don’t reach for the tissues just yet as two new bands are emerging from the ashes of the original group.

Greg is launching the Feral Cats, which features 4ft Pimp members Nick Durant on guitar and Andrew Moore on bass, while Andrew is also embarking on a solo project called the Tumbledryer Babies.

Doors to the farewell show at Chinnery’s, in Marine Parade, Southend, open at 8pm. Tickets are £5. For more information visit www.chinnerys.co.uk