FOR nearly a decade in the eighties, the madcap antics of The Grumbleweeds comedy band were a staple of the Radio 2 airwaves.

The band’s popular long-running sketch show saw 15 series broadcast on the BBC, plus a television show of the same name from 1983 to 1988.

Borderers now have the chance to relive those crazy days with a visit to the Volunteer Hall in Galashiels next Saturday, March 14, for a show by the original Grumbleweeds, plus special guests.

And some proceeds from the event will go to the Borders branch of the Marie Curie cancer charity.

The group was formed by Robin Colvill and Graham Walker in Leeds in 1962. Turning professional in 1967, and by now a five-piece with the addition of Maurice Lee and brothers Albert and Carl Sutcliffe, the group appeared on Opportunity Knocks, and New Faces.

It was on radio, however, where the Grumbleweeds made their major breakthrough with the successful BBC Radio 2 series, The Grumbleweeds Radio Show, which ran from 1979 to 1988. It was also the title of a series of TV programmes between 1983 and 1988 which retained the fast-moving sketch format.

The group now comprises the two founder members, Colvill and Walker, and remains a popular attraction on the cabaret circuit.

The radio programme was a mixture of fast-moving skits and impressions, linked by snatches of the band’s signature tune, We Are The Grumbleweeds.

Recurring sketches included Trouble At T’ Mill (a parody of a working-class drama set in a Yorkshire mill), Oh Amanda (a romantic soliloquy performed by Colvill to his fictional partner, with a suitably humorous punchline) and a parody of Radio 4’s A Book At Bedtime, where a softly spoken narrator would attempt to read a story in spite of mounting technical problems such as constantly failing transmitter power. The support acts will be singer and comedienne Mia Carla, and singer Ashley Morton

Tickets can be bought online at www.star-concerts.co.uk or from Niki’s Bar, Galashiels (01896 753929), Guess What, Galashiels (01896 759655) or Spences Music Shop, Hawick (01450 372115).

The Grumbleweeds play the Volunteer Hall, Galashiels, next Saturday, March 14. Doors open 6.30pm. Tickets: adults £10 in advance (£13 door), child £5 advance (£ , senior citizens £5 advance (£ , concessions £7 advance (£10), family £28 advance (£31).

With out a doubt, the UK’s number one tribute to the Eagles.

Act one is simply "Hell Freezes Over" relived. The opening strains of the classical guitar will take you into the wonderful acoustic version of "Hotel California". Then from the timeless love song "Best of My Love" and the heart stopping five part harmony of "Seven Bridges Road" you will journey through such lyrical melodies as "Tequila Sunrise", "Peaceful Easy Feeling" and "Lyin' Eyes".

The second half is greeted with a dramatic change in style, mood and pace. Rock your socks off! "Heartache Tonight", "Life in the Fast Lane", "Take it Easy". All the hits are there and more. The classic ballads "Take it to the Limit" and "Desperado" will lead you to the thrilling climax of the original "Hotel California" and the greatest guitar solos in the world. This truly amazing concert has to be seen to be believed. The legendary sounds of the Eagles are faithfully and brilliantly recreated by five of the most respected and talented men in the music industry today. Collectively known as TALON they are without doubt the Best of Eagles.

The tribute act are performing at Volunteer Hall, Galashiels on Saturday 8th August 2009 where they claim they will "produce the looks and sounds of the real thing."

Frontman Tony, also known as Jon By Jovi on stage, has been performing the music of Bon Jovi for more than 10 years and the band were the first to be asked to perform on the US Jersey tribute album 'Garden State of Mind.'

Tony is the only UK Bon Jovi tribute star to be asked to appear on TV with the real Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora - unfortunately Tony had shows already booked in the Middle East.

But Tony has appeared in other TV programmes - including ITV's International Stars and their Doubles, BBC's Doctors series and British film Kinky Boots.

Two years ago, he and the band then fulfilled a lifetime ambition when they were requested by Bon Jovi to perform live at the Hard Rock Cafe, in London, for the celebrations surrounding Bon Jovi's introduction into the UK Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. During the memorable evening, Jon Bon Jovi joined the tribute band for a rendition of 'Who says you can't go home'.

The band have played every major city in the UK, as well as Malta, Spain, the Netherlands and Ireland - and now arrive in Galashiels after performing to a sell out crowd in Jedburgh in August 2008.

Tickets on sale now priced £11 in advance and £13 on doors. Doors open at 6.30pm, show starts at 8.00pm with full bar open throughout.