ONE of Scotland's most successful rock acts of the 1980s are to return to the stage in a tribute to their guitarist who is battling lung cancer.

The Silencers are planning the reunion gig at Glasgow ABC to raise cash for musician Charles "Cha" Burns.

And they are even hoping he will be well enough to perform.

Burns, 48, who is from Coatbridge but now lives in Wales, recorded five albums with the group including the hits The Real McCoy I Can't Feel It and Painted Moon.

He was diagnosed with lung cancer about a year ago and has just completed a programme of chemotherapy.

Joe Donnelly, the band's bass player, said: "I only found out about three months ago when an old tour manager called me.

"Cha said he had known for a long time that something wasn't right and he was diagnosed with lung cancer. He has just finished a course of chemo and is responding well to the treatment.

"It's a sad occasion to come together but we just wanted all the cash raised to go to Cha to make his life easier."

The original line-up featured frontman Jimme O'Neill, bassist Joe and drummer Martin Hanlin, who will all perform at the benefit gig on Friday, February 9.

Former singer and gutarist JJ Gilmour, who helped arrange the benefit concert, will also appear for the one-off performance which will see the band perform songs from their extensive back catalogue.

At the height of their career The Silencers toured with the likes of U2, David Bowie and Simple Minds and became household names in the US, Spain and France, where they attracted a devoted following.

They latterly recorded a version of Wild Mountain Thyme which became the theme music of a popular ad campaign for VisitScotland.

Their Glasgow gigs were known for their celebratory atmosphere and the group also recorded a live album in the city in 2000.

The band will perform a two-hour set at the ABC and have advised fans to arrive early to avoid being disappointed.

Joe added: "It will be an everlasting cast of Silencers on stage. The tickets are selling well so it should be a good night."

Tickets for the gig, priced £15, are available from www.ticketweb.co.uk or from the ABC on 0870 4000 818.