A DEFIANT musician who refuses to let a devastating diagnosis prevent him from pursuing his life-long passion for performing and writing will play a gig in Colchester.

Geoff Lawrence, of Rowhedge, who is considered a stalwart of the Colchester music scene, will take to the stage of Three Wise Monkeys, in the High Street, on April 1.

The singer and guitarist has been gigging since he was teenager but his ability to continue doing so was thrown into doubt when he was told he had Parkinson’s.

Gazette: Picture: Cerys ByePicture: Cerys Bye (Image: Picture: Cerys Bye)

Since then, however, the keen photographer and Slugworth frontman has written and recorded an album, entitled Similar Life, alongside a host of musicians.

He is now preparing to perform the LP, which represents hope and the overcoming of adversity, live onstage with the Polly Haynes Band acting as his backing group.

Ahead of taking to the stage, the venue’s top-floor crowd will first be treated to performances from Big Big Sky and Jake Murrels.

Tickets for the 8pm concert, which is for over 18s only, cost £5 plus a booking free when purchased in advance or £7.50 if bought on the door on the night of the gig.

To find out more information visit threewisemonkeyscolchester.com.