History will be made in Oxford this summer with a reunion of one of the greatest bands ever to have emerged from the city.

Britpop legends The Candyskins are getting back together for a one-off charity gig alongside fellow '90s heroes Dodgy.

The gig, called Music For Life, has been organised by Dave Holt, former manager of band the Unbelievable Truth, and gig promoter Alan Day of TCT Music, to raise money for and awareness of Cancer Research.

Also on the bill are singer-songwriter Frank Turner, formerly of Million Dead, and local art-prog-rockers A Silent Film. The gig was prompted by Dave's recent recovery from cancer, and takes place at the Oxford Carling Academy on August 8.

Alan said: "I met Dave years ago. I used to sell him records in Modern Music in Abingdon, and he used to book charity gigs in Abingdon Old Gaol with the likes of Radiohead, Ride and, of course, Dodgy.

"After his recent battle with cancer, Dave came up with the idea of putting on a show to raise money for Cancer Research - to give something back to the people who helped him. And it promises to be an awesome night."

The recently reformed Dodgy, remembered for their hits Staying Out For The Summer, Good Enough, and If You're Thinking Of Me, are fondly remembered stalwarts bands of the Britpop era - as are The Candyskins, with whom they toured and recorded.

Along with Radiohead, Supergrass and Ride, The Candyskins led the Oxford music scene in the '90s. Their single Monday Morning was a chart hit; they enjoyed success with albums Space I'm In, Fun? and Sunday Morning Fever; appeared on national telly on Chris Evans's TFI Friday; and sold out venues across the USA.

Breaking up in 1999, they came together for what was expected to be one last night, to mark the closing of the old Zodiac club.

But, says The Candyskins' rhythm guitarist Mark Cope, when they heard about the gig there was no way they could refuse.

"We've been mates with Dave for a long time, and when we were asked if we wanted to do this, we said 'yes' straight away.

"It's going to be a great night. It should be a right laugh!"

Dave, from Marcham, said: "I've been involved in music for years and it made sense to do this. People have done so much for me, and I wanted to put something back in the pot. I am lucky enough to have some really good friends who can help."

Music For Life takes place at the Carling Academy on August 8. Tickets are £15 in advance, and will sell out quickly.

5:50pm Thursday 19th June 2008

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