HE WAS a member of one of the greatest rock bands in the world and he rolled into town to put Eastleigh firmly on the musical map.

Former Rolling Stone Bill Wyman and the Rythm Kings opened the Eastleigh Summer Music Festival.

And the organisers could not have found a better curtain raiser to what promises to be a ten-day musical blockbuster. For Bill has gathered together the most talented and exciting array of musicians you could wish to find on one stage.

He was always the quiet man of the Stones, and in just a few words he set the scene for a party which soon had the festival big top rock 'n' rolling.

Blues, boogie-woogie, jazz, rockabilly, gospel and a special tribute to mark the 50th anniversary of rock 'n' roll were in this two-hour plus musical package.

For those who had quickly changed out of their Friday working clothes to get to Fleming Park this was a perfect way to chill out after a hard week at the coal face.

There was also a rare opportunity to hear Mr Wyman flex his vocal cords with a solo rock ballad.

"Just the one," says Bill, who prefers to let his bass guitar do the talking.

But he had no shortage of vocal support with powerful contributions from Andy Fairweather Low, who shot to fame with Amen Corner, Mike Sanchez, Beverley Skeete, Terry Taylor and Albert Lee.

For those of us who still wear our 60s pop medals with pride there was a chance join the former Amen Corner star in a rousing rendition of his Paradise chart-topper.

After this show Bill Wyman and his Rhythm Kings will always be guaranteed a warm audience at Eastleigh.