SIXTIES music star Rod Thomas is hoping Rockwell Green War Memorial Institute will help him make a new breakthrough in his career.

Rod, who was member of 1960s band The Sabres, moved to Wellington eight years ago but has struggled to land regular gigs. 

The Sabres were a popular band in the 1960s and gained a particular strong following in their local South Wales area. 

They supported huge artists such as Manfred Mann, The Moody Blues, Status Quo, and The Mindbenders and recorded an upbeat rendition of ‘Roly Poly’ and pop track ‘Will You Always Love Me?’ with Decca Records. 

The Sabres entered Melody Maker’s National Beat Contest in 1966 and finished runners-up in the final held in the London Palladium.

The band played gigs for the following few years, until members started joining other bands or getting married. 

Two of the band members have since died, but Rod still frequently speaks to the remaining musicians. 

Rod, who is now in his 70s, is a regular performer at the summer Music in the Park events in Wellington Park, and frequently entertains in care homes and clubs across Devon and Somerset.

Rod does not align himself with just one genre and tailors his set for each audience.

So, for older people he will play some of his 60s favourites, whereas, for younger crowds he will play music by modern pop artists, such as George Ezra.

Rod already has some bookings for next year, but said: “I am still trying to get my name out there.”

On Saturday (August 5), Rod is due to play at the war memorial institute, starting his set at 8.30 pm, where non-members will be welcome to attend.