Cha Burns, guitarist for The Silencers (terminal cancer)
Ed Varner
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SILENCERS ARE READY TO ROAR TO HELP CHA
ONE of Scotland's top bands are planning a surprise reunion - in
tribute to their cancerstriken guitarist.
The original line-up of The Silencers will stage a one-off gig to raise
cash for Cha Burns.
The group - singer Jimme O'Neill, bass player Joe Donnelly and drummer
Martin Hanlin - have booked the ABC in Glasgow for February 9.
It's hoped Cha, 48, - a founder member - will be well enough to play.
He joined in 1985 and recorded five albums and hits The Real McCoy, I
Can't Feel It and Painted Moon. They toured with U2, David Bowie and
Simple Minds.
The Silencers will play three sets at the ABC with guest appearances
from members from later lineups.
It has been organised by singer Jinky Gilmour who joined in 1990.
"Cha has terminal cancer and wants fans to know the truth about his
condition," said Jinky.
"We thought it would be good idea to do a gig to make what's left of
his life a little easier.
"There's been talk of Cha going to India. It would be nice to make that
trip extra special."
The Silencers will perform their back catalogue - which includes albums
Letter From St. Paul, A Blues For Buddah and Dance To The Holy Man.
Jinky has never forgotten the first time he saw Cha play guitar.
"It was Le Locomotive in Paris," recalled Jinky.
"We were joined on stage by Dave Stewart of Eurythmics and they played
Johnny B. Goode.
"Cha was on fire. Dave couldn't believe how great a guitarist he was."
"In 1993, we were due to play in Barcelona in front of 17,000 people.
"We had to call the doctor when Cha took an epileptic fit and I was
diagnosed with a heart disorder.
"The doctor said: 'Rest - you CAN'T do the gig'.
"But our single Bulletproof Heart was No. 1 in Spain so we played.
"The show must go on - that's Cha Burns."
http://www.sundaymail.co.uk/opinion/columnists/billysloan/tm_column_date=26112006-name_index.html