HE is famous for singing the blues, but Bob Pearce switched into rock ‘n’ roll mode to salute Troggs lead singer Reg Presley.

The moving tribute came as the pop world was mourning the passing of the sixties icon.

He died aged 71 at his Hampshire home after a succession of recent strokes and losing his battle against cancer.

Bob rounded off his second set at The Stoneham Lane Club by saying: “This is for an old friend.”

He then launched into the the Troggs’ million selling hit Wild Thing.

It was not long before the Concorde audience, which included Eastleigh mayor Councillor Rupert Kyrle, were joining in the chorus of this infectious tune.

Bob brought Wild Thing to a close by saying: “Rest In Peace Reg.”

It was an emotional ending to a night which was in aid of the Eastleigh mayor’s charities, Countess Mountbatten House and The Wildern Opportunity Group.

As well as hitting fundraising notes, 66-year-old Bob showed why singing the blues has made him one of Southampton’s most famous sons. And it is a talent which has taken him around the world.

It was in the early sixties that Bob Pearce started singing in R&B groups in and around his home city, including a long running residency at the Joiners Arms.

During the Concorde gig he showed that he is still a master of his craft as he weaved musical magic with great guitar slide solos, bursts of gutsy harmonica and powerful vocals.

Accompanied by his multi-talented Blues Band he threw into this mouth-watering mix of blues, soul and gospel a couple of rock ‘n’ roll classics, Little Sister and Johnny B Goode.

It was triumphant return to the Concorde for Southampton’s ‘King of The Blues’.