RHYTHM and blues legends Dr Feelgood are taking to the stage to support Havens Hospices.

The Canvey band’s original singer Lee Brilleaux was cared for by the hospice before he died of cancer in 1994.

To raise money for the charity, Rock for Haven’s Sake will see bands come together for an all-day music event at Mill Arts Centre, Rayleigh, in April.

“Dr Feelgood are going to open the day,” says event organiser Anne Earl.

“Lee Brilleaux was cared for by Havens, so it’s a very close thing for them. The response I had from them was absolutely phenomenal.”

Explaining why she thinks the event has been so popular in previous years she says: “It’s a passion isn’t it? That’s what comes through. People are passionate about their music, and passionate about what the hospice does, and when we put it all together it’s really an electrifying experience.”

The current Dr Feelgood line-up features Robert Kane on vocal and harmonica, Kevin Morris on drums, Phil Mitchell on bass, and Steve Walwyn on guitar. Also playing on the day will be trumpeter Digby Fairweather, Canvey outfits the Ends and the Long Run, the Famous Potatoes, the Late Shift and headliners Elco Jones.

The idea started in 2006 when Havens approached Anne and asked her to consider organising a musical event to raise cash for the hospice.

She agreed and the rest, as they say is history.

Rock for Haven’s Sake £5-£10. From noon.

Sunday, April 10.

Mill Arts Centre, Bellingham Lane, Rayleigh.

01268 684881. Tickets also from PMT, Queens Road, Southend, and Fives, Broadway, Leigh.