Bernie has enjoyed a long and remarkable career, performing with many rock ’n’ roll greats. He played on hit records and world tours, getting international acclaim as the lead guitarist in Gillan. He also stepped in for Ozzy Osbourne in the aftermath of guitarist Randy Rhoads’ death before going on to front Electric Gypsies and Tormé. Teaming up with Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider and Iron Maiden’s drummer Clive Burr Bernie formed Desperado and later reunited with ex-Gillan colleague John McCoy and drummer Robin Guy in Guy McCoy Tormé (GMT). More recently, Bernie has been touring with Chris Heilmann (bass) and Ian Harris (drums) releasing two critically-acclaimed solo albums, Flowers & Dirt (2014) and Blackheart (2015). Both were crowd-funded, connecting Bernie directly with his fans. Bernie said: “In the past you were pretty distant and separated from your fans with a record label in between. “Making these albums with pledge campaigns has been a great experience. I like having the connection with fans and getting the feedback direct on making an album.” His love of performing is still strong: “I feel very lucky, very blessed, to be able to still perform live and, as long as I can keep doing it, I will!” Dublin-born Bernie learned his trade from Irish heroes such as Rory Gallagher, Gary Moore and Eric Bell before moving to London in 1974, where he initially played with heavy pub rockers Scrapyard. He then formed the Bernie Tormé Band in 1976, touring with Bob Geldof’s Boomtown Rats and Billy Idol’s Generation X among many others. In early 1979 Bernie joined ex-Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan’s band Gillan, and was crucial to the band’s success. While a member he wrote and played on four top ten albums and many hit singles, including Gillan’s biggest selling singles, ‘New Orleans’ and ‘Trouble’. Bernie has recorded more than 24 albums in his career to-date as a solo artist or band member. Tickets cost £10 (Holbrook Club members £8). Call 01403 751150 or visit www.theholbrookclub.co.uk. Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live. Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be among the first to know what’s going on. 1 Make our website your homepage 2 Like our Facebook page 3 Follow us on Twitter 4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here. And do share with your family and friends – so they don’t miss out! Be part of it.