THE bandmates of a Kinver musician who was killed when his car was hit by a falling tree will play at a gig in his honour with a new lineup.

Steve Cutler, lead guitarist and singer with group The Picture, was killed in a storm as he was driving home from a band rehearsal at The Basement Studios in Turner Street, Dudley, in February.

Remaining band members Fred Fieldhouse, John O’Neill and Kevin Marson decided to carry on playing and have recruited Dave Tomlinson from Wombourne on lead guitar.

They will play at a gig in honour of 51-year-old father-of-two Steve at Kinver Community Centre on Friday July 15.

Fred said: “David is an old friend of mine who I was in a band with around 30 years ago.

“Rather than replace Steve, David has come in to the band to give it a boost.

“In a short space of time he has stepped in on lead guitar and filled out the bands sound again, recreating the original expansive sound we had.

“We are doing this with Steve’s blessing - he would have wanted us to carry on.

“We are covering all of the songs Steve wrote so his music will continue to be heard.”

Entrance to the gig costs £5 with proceeds going to the Steve Cutler Memorial Fund.

The Picture are house band at The Baseline in Dudley a new venue started by Basement Studios. They will also perform at Bridgnorth Music Festival at noon on August 27.

For details on the band visit www.myspace.com/hearthepicture