IT is a classic moment of Sixties pop as Heinz weaves magic on the guitar for chart busting heart-throb Billy Fury.

The blond bass guitarist was one of the legendary Tornados who backed Fury in the early sixties and then went on to take the pop world by storm, topping both sides of the Atlantic with Telstar.

Today it is a very different story for Heinz. For the Eastleigh boy who shot to overnight stardom is now battling against motor neurone disease.

The talented hands, behind that all time instrumental classic, Telstar can no longer play that bass guitar which made Heinz a household name.

Despite his star studded career the 56-year-old former pop idol, who lives in a Southampton flat, was left stony broke.

But now those happy memories of the swinging Sixties have come spinning back with this rare Billy Fury and Heinz photograph.

It is currently being featured in the Icons of Pop exhibition at London's National Portrait Gallery.

Covering the years between 1958 and 1999 the hall of pop fame features 50 iconic images of British pop stars by leading British photographers. It is the first museum survey of the history of modern music and a gallery spokesperson said: "Many of these pictures have not been seen since first published and will provoke nostalgia for generations raised on half a century of British pop culture."

Thrilled with being included in such a star studded gallery Heinz, speaking from his Southampton home, said: "It is a compliment." He has happy memories of back-ing Fury: "He was a very private person but a great bloke to work with," said Heinz.

In March 1963 Heinz shared star billing with Fury when he appeared at the Royal Albert Hall, London. Sixties music fans will get a chance to salute Heinz at a benefit gig for the former Tornados star at The Brook in Portswood Road, Southampton tonight.

It promises to be a treat for Sixties pop fans with the line up including Wee Willie Harris, and local groups Hard Drive and The Recliners. Southampton based record producer/writer Barry Upton, who turned Steps into an overnight chart sensation, is also stepping out to help his Sixties pop idol Heinz. It was from his recording studio in Chilworth that Barry created the catchy Five, Six, Seven, Eight number which put Steps on the road to stardom.

Now the busy producer is taking time out to appear in the Southampton benefit night for Heinz. Barry has always been a great fan of Heinz and the Tornados.

Now the top producer, who tasted pop stardom with the Brotherhood of Man, will be taking to the stage for the Heinz Burt benefit night.

Barry said: "Telstar was the first single I ever bought. I remember begging my mum to go out and buy it. It was a record that was ahead of its time.

"It will be a great pleasure to take part in the tribute night and to meet Heinz."

Sponsored by the Daily Echo the doors open at 8pm. Tickets cost £5 and can be reserved by ringing The Brook on 01703 555366.

Converted for the new archive on 25 January 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.