MUSICIANS who make their living by staging gigs are appealing for more support from punters - or live music may die in the area.

That's the belief of Howard Haigh, who plays the Spanish guitar with the band LAVA.

He fears future bookings could be at risk if too few people turn up to hear performances in local pubs and clubs.

"Please get out and support live music," he urges. "We depend on gigs as part of our livelihood - we are musicians after all."

LAVA is performing tonight (Thursday) at The Royal Tapas Bar in Lancaster from 9pm, with new bass player Stu Lewthwaite joining the line-up with Argentinian tango and Guy Morris doing the blues on guitar.

Howard says: "Please go along and cheer the band on - and any other live music events in pubs and clubs. Don't take it for granted or it won't be there when you want it."

Admission is free.