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Wurzels end gig abruptly as band members fall ill

Martin Evans
BBC News, West of England
Andy Bennett
BBC News, Somerset
Band member Tommy Banner said medical staff advised him not to drive

The Wurzels had to end their gig abruptly because the band's singer was "in a bad way" as temperatures peaked at 31C.

Pete Budd, who turns 85 on 18 July, had to leave Party at the Palace stage in Wells, Somerset, on Saturday before the end of the set.

Accordionist Tommy Banner said he also felt sunstroke and experienced dizziness after going off stage. He said: "Both Pete and I appear to have fully recovered from sun and heat exhaustion. Up on stage there was no air moving and we were facing straight into the direct, unobstructed rays of a very strong sun."

Mr Banner and Mr Budd were supported by medical staff when they left the stage.

Pete Budd from The Wurzels dressed in a white shirt with brown waistcoat, holding a banjo and singing into a mic. There's stage set and lights behind him inside a green lit marquee
Mr Budd was rushed off stage over the weekend

Mr Banner said: "I was about to announce the last song and Pete wasn't besides me where he normally is. He was in a bad way."

Temperatures reached 31C in Wells on Saturday, and it is thought that the heat affected Mr Budd, who took over as the band's lead singer in 1974.

A nurse then arrived and checked both band members over, gave Mr Banner some exercises to do, and advised him not to drive.

Mr Banner said the band, which formed in 1966 and have hits like "Combine Harvester" and "I Am A Cider Drinker", planned to have one day off to cover before resuming their tour schedule.

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