IT was nearly 40 years ago that rock 'n' rollers Heinz Burt and Dave Donnelly set off from Hampshire on a train trip they hoped would take them on the fast track to fame.

Heinz went on to become a household name with the Tornados, who made pop history taking the legendary Telstar to number one on both sides of the Atlantic.

Although Dave never gathered the same stardust, he became a leading musician, backing famous names like Jerry Lee Lewis, The Animals and Cilla Black.

Dave has never forgotten the day that he joined Heinz and two other budding young musicians for an audition in the London studios of Sixties pop guru Joe Meek.

"It was a big laugh getting a set of drums, guitars and amplifiers onto the train and then on the bus to Meek's recording studios," recalled Dave, who was in the music business for more than 30 years.

Meek later signed Heinz and turned him into a household name.

And 59-year-old Dave said: "Heinz was a great bloke and I was pleased for him."

Although the pals charted very different pop paths, they now have a tragic bond - for both are confined to wheelchairs.

Fifty-seven-year-old Heinz, who lives in Weston, Southampton, is battling against the crippling motor-neurone disease, while a major stroke left Dave paralysed down the left side of his body.

Speaking from his remote Welsh hillside home in Newtown, Powys, Dave said he would dearly love a reunion with his '60s soulmate.

Heinz is due to make his final stage appearance on Friday, when he will be singing his chart-topping Just Like Eddie at a testimonial dance.

And Dave, who played lead guitar in his pop days, said he would love to be there to meet up again with the '60s star.

Dave, who can only walk a few steps and totally relies on his wheelchair, is anxious to hear from anyone who could help to cover the cost of transport to get him to the Heinz tribute night.

"I have had a promise of accommodation, but the big problem is the cost of transport," said Dave, who only has a disability allowance.

Anyone who can help is asked to ring him on 01686 628208.

The testimonial dance is being organised by well-known Southampton disc jockey Frank Rogers. And tickets have been snapped up by '60s fans eager to pay tribute to one of the legendary names from that golden era of pop.

Now Dave hopes that he can join in that '60s salute.

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