MEMORIES of the Forester who was a key part of "Scrumpy and Western" favourites The Wurzels will be front and centre as the band take to the stage for the last two gigs of 2021.

John "Morgy" Morgan, who lived in Whitecroft, died last Saturday at Gloucester Royal Hospital aged 80 after contracting Covid.

Friends from the band have spoken of their shock but say the last two concerts of the year will go ahead and plan "to do him proud".

In a statement posted on The Wurzels Twitter account, Tommy Banner, who is the longest serving member of the band, said: "We can’t believe we shan’t ever see you behind those drums again - we thought you were indestructible.

"We shall miss you John, you grumpy old b-----r, with your sharp, quirky Forest wit - oh, you were also a bloomin’ great drummer, like your hero Charlie Watts."

Manager of The Wurzels, Sil Willcox, said: "We are all in shock, Morgy had the driest of humour and the kindest of hearts and all our thoughts are with his family.

"The band intend to continue but John will always be remembered and loved by his fans, friends and band."

The final two concerts of 2021 will be in Exmouth and Congresbury. In a statement on Twitter they added: "If you’re coming to either then be assured we are going to do him proud."

He said he was inspired to take up music after hearing a trio featuring a violin and cello at school in Bream.

John went on to fulfil his dream of being a full-time musician - despite his mother insisting he should get a "proper job".

He joined his first band, along with mates Chas Phipps and Phil Preest while at school, playing in local pubs and travelling as far as Lydbrook and Ross.

As a youngster he also played for Bream and Yorkley brass bands.

During the early 1960s John performed with Kingsley Ward, who founded Rockfield Studios in Monmouth and was the drummer for the Charles Kingsley Combo which he ran with his brother Chas.

John also played for influential Newent-born producer Joe Meek in London and said of his experience performing at his Holloway Road studio: "He was an incredible engineer, even if he was a strange man to work with."

John celebrated 40 years of being a Wurzel in 2021.