Tigertailz To Play Tribute Tour

TIGERTAILZ TO PLAY TRIBUTE TOUR:

September 25, 2007

THE remaining members of glam rock band Tigertailz are to go on tour next month – in memory of the band’s founder Pepsi Tate.

Bassist Pepsi, real name Justin Smith, from Pontcanna, Cardiff, lost his battle with pancreatic cancer last week.

Bandmate and guitarist John Pepper said dedicating the concerts to Pepsi and continuing to play his music was the best way to remember the 42-year-old.

The band was due to support Y&T on a UK-wide tour from October 22.

John said: “Initially nobody could see us doing it. But as the days have gone on, it seems the most appropriate way to remember him would be to go on with the tour as a tribute to him.

“The tour has been arranged for months. Justin was always unlikely to do the whole tour but he was going to do at least a few dates.

“We feel if we’re not playing as a band together, we’re not doing his memory justice.

“There are thousands of people out there who want to share his memory. We want to be together as a band with all the fans to celebrate his life.”

Their tour kicks off with a warm-up show at The Point on October 22, where Pepsi’s memorial service will be held on Thursday.

They will then join the Y&T for a series of dates around the UK.

Tigertailz originally reformed thanks to the Echo.

In 2003 we tracked down original band members Jay Pepper, Kim Hooker and Pepsi Tate for an article and the interest generated convinced the lads to reunite for the first times in a decade.

His wife, opera singer Shan Cothi, and his family are now making plans for his funeral service, which is to be held at noon on Thursday at The Point in Cardiff Bay. The service is expected to be attended by hundreds.

Tributes have continued to pour in to the band’s website, as well as on the Echo’s website. One fan called David wrote: “He was the reason I took up bass and stuck with the music I loved even when others were so negative towards it. Thanks for being my inspiration.”

Pepsi, who married long-term love Shan Cothi days before his death, was diagnosed with cancer in February.

Courtesy of icwales.icnetwork.co.uk