ROCKIN' Ronnie Carr is back on stage on Sunday more than two years after his retirement from the world of entertainment.
But this time one of Leigh's best known boppers is keeping it in the family -- to help raise enough cash to send his disabled grand-daughter Laura to swim with dolphins.
Former Beat Boy Ronnie is teaming up with his musical son Paul and equally gifted grandson Rick to form Generation 3 who will make their debut at a 10-hour rock concert at the Monaco, Hindley, on May 4.
"Tell 'em I've got an electric zimmer", said Ronnie who celebrated over 60 years in the music business before hanging up his guitar.
The Leigh Round Table-backed music extravaganza which starts at 2pm features seven bands including Paul's own band State of Quo.
The talented all rounder, who not only plays guitar and keyboard, but writes as well, will join Laura's brother 16-years-old Rick and Ronnie for a straight rock 'n' roll set with a couple of blues numbers rolled in at around 4.30pm.
Ronnie, who still loves the business and visits Liverpool's Cavern Club, said he had decided to do the one off for his beloved grand-daughter.
Nine-years-old Laura who lives with a mystery, undiagnosed condition has severe learning difficulties and can barely walk or talk.
For years her parents Paul and Julie, of Wigan Road, Leigh, have organised a fund raising concert to help Tanfield School at Hindley where Laura is a pupil and Wigan and Leigh Hospice.
But this year after suggestions from friends they decided to use any money raised to take her on the educational trip of a lifetime to swim with dolphins in Florida.
And Paul, who gave a winning performance on grand piano before an audience of 3000 at Butlins at the age of six, persuaded popular dad Ronnie to stage the one-off comeback with Rick and himself.
They will be joined by Rick's group Four Minute Warning, Riff Raff, Transmission, Mad Racket, Vera Cruz and Paul's own tribute band State of Quo, which has the blessing of his heroes Status Quo.
All are giving their services free.
J
ulie said: "We still don't know what's wrong with Laura, she's seen many specialists but her condition remains a puzzle. They can't put a name to it and it is so frustrating.
"At six months old she was diagnosed with a dislocated hip and from eight months old was in a frog plaster for two years. During that time we noticed she was not coming on. We've been to Alder Hey, Booth Hall, Pendlebury and St Mary's, Manchester, without results.
"Her hip is fine now, but it is the other problems we hope to work on. She's such a happy little girl, everyone who sees her falls in love with her.
"Despite her handicap she too has music in her veins. She loves to hear her dad play her favourite "Postman Pat" on acoustic guitar.
"We have been told that swimming with dolphins helps children like Laura. We know it doesn't perform miracles but other families who have given their children the chance say it does make a difference. We can only try."
For Leigh Round Table, Simon Miller, said: "We are delighted to help this worthy local cause."
The show starts at 2pm and rocks on until midnight. Tickets at £5 are available from the Monaco box office or ring Julie on 514577.
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