Concert for Stevenage youngster Alex Coate sees band-mates reunite a year after his tragic death

Liquid Metal Men (Image: Archant)

Concert for Alex, a tribute to Alex Coate who passed away at the age of 23 in July last year, will feature many of the bands he played in or hung out with in Stevenage.

Alex’s former band Blue Root Zoots are reforming especially for the evening and with Jordon Cole standing in for Alex on guitar.

Up and coming indie band Childhood will headline the night and North Herts rockers Waste are also on the bill along with funksters Liquid Metal Men.

The concert takes place at Hitchin’s popular music venue Club 85 and proceeds from the night will go to the independent music venue as well as to Stevenage addiction recovery charity, the Living Room.

Waste (Image: Archant)

Alex’s brother Glenn Osborn said: “My brother was a musician first and foremost. He played in lots and lots of bands.

“We just thought this was a great way to remember him.

“We’ve all been going to Club 85 since we were young and Alex used to go there with us. It’s a legendary place as a music venue.

“It was something we talked about doing with his friends after he died.

Alex's former band Blue Root Zoots (Image: Archant)

“It’s still painful and it never goes away. None of us can still believe what happened.

“But there’s no point in being sad about it. You’ve just got to get on with it and celebrate and remember the good times.

“It just seems like the right thing to do to all get back together and play again.”

Of Alex’s passing on July 5 last year, Glenn said: “He had a lot going for him. Unfortunately he had some demons that he just couldn’t seem to overcome. Alex suffered with bulimia and addiction to Class A drugs. We tried so hard to help him. Our parents sought professional help for his bulimia, which for a while seemed to be working, until it progressed on to using drugs to change the way he felt.”

Doors open at 7.45pm for over 16s with photo ID. Tickets are £6 on the door.