Band strike the right note for charity

An iconic Glossop band has reunited to honour their late friend and fellow musician, raising more than £1,000 for Cancer Research UK. 

When well-known Glossop musician Keith Bonthrone (photo below) sadly passed away from cancer in December 2024 after a short illness, the news came as a shock to his family and many friends in the music world. Keith’s life revolved around his family and his music, and his involvement with a number of bands and musicians over a 50-year career - both locally and across the UK and Europe - earned him widespread respect and admiration. 

To celebrate Keith’s musical legacy, one of the bands he performed with for many years, The Blues Busters, organised a special commemorative concert in his memory earlier this month, with the full support of his family. 

The event took place at Empire in Glossop earlier this month, and proved so popular it sold out a month in advance. A packed audience danced and sang along to two hours of high-energy rhythm and blues and soul classics inspired by The Blues Brothers film. 

During the concert (photo below), the band paid a heartfelt tribute to Keith’s life and career, accompanied by a photo slideshow of him performing with The Blues Busters. With agreement from Keith’s family, proceeds from the concert were donated to Cancer Research UK, helping to highlight the ongoing fight against cancer. 

This week, members of Keith’s family visited the Cancer Research UK shop on the High Street in Glossop to present the cheque to staff. The band, Keith’s family, and The Empire venue have all thanked everyone who supported the event, which has so far raised £1,055, with more donations still to come in. 

Formed in Glossop back in 1991, The Blues Busters were originally a group of local teachers - some experienced musicians, others stepping onto the stage for the first time - who came together through a shared passion for soul, blues and rhythm and blues. Inspired by The Blues Brothers, they became instantly recognisable for their trademark dark suits, trilby hats and sunglasses, and soon built a reputation as one of the North West’s most entertaining live acts. 

Over the years, the band played to sell-out crowds across the region and beyond, including a hugely popular monthly residency at the Blues Club in Glossop, which ran for nearly a decade. Known for their infectious energy, slick brass section and good humour, The Blues Busters also gained a loyal following for their support of local, regional and national charities through their performances. 

After several years away from the stage, The Blues Busters have now confirmed they will return to Glossop in May 2026 for another top-class performance - a date that’s already eagerly anticipated by their fans. 

For updates visit The Blues Busters’ Facebook page.