A local promoter has had to change a headline act after being faced with a last-minute change of plans.

Andy Bennett, a former guitarist and composer with the indie blues rockers Ocean Colour Scene, will now appear at the Colby Glen Hotel next weekend Friday and Saturday July 16-17.

Andy recorded five studio albums and four live albums with the Brit-rock group before leaving in 2015 to concentrate on his solo project.

He then released his solo debut single, ’Hole in the Road’, in October 2015, followed in May 2016 by the single Drift Away.

His debut album ’Thinkin’, Drinkin’, Singin’ came out in 2017.

Andy will take the place of Magic Numbers front man Romeo Stoddart, who was forced to postpone his concert after falling foul of the restrictions surrounding entering the Isle of Man .

The concerts were being organised by But First Promotions, who bring some of the well-known faces from the late 90s -era of Brit-rock bands to play small and intimate gigs at the Colby Glen Hotel.

’Unfortunately Romeo wasn’t two plus two in time’, said promoter Rob Cope from But First promotions, referring to the requirement that needs people to have two jabs and two weeks clear of infection following the vaccinations before they are allowed to enter the island.

’Hopefully we can get a confirmation of rearranged date soon for later this year.

’He’s still committed to make the trip and we are equally committed to putting it on.’

Support for Andy Bennett will come from local singer songwriter Kizzie Puzzar on the Friday and the group Truman Falls on the Saturday.

Tickets are £20, available by emailing [email protected]

But First have several concerts lined up over the next few months, including a double bill featuring Dodgy singer Nigel Clark and Seahorses singer Chris Helme on Friday, October 29.