THERE was not a spare seat in the room when rocker Phil Spalding took to his guitar to raise money for the charity that saved his life.

Phil, 53, of Rodbourne, held a charity concert in Highworth on Saturday night to raise money for Gloucester House Rehabilitation Centre, where he turned in 2005 to kick his heroin addiction.

The crowd was also treated to a performance by Phil’s long-term friend The Who keyboardist John ‘Rabbit’ Bundrick.

About 200 people attended the concert in aid of Gloucester House’s Buy a Bed, Save a Life campaign.

Phil said afterwards: “I used to do this when I was stoned or drunk and doing this clean and sober is a really scary feeling.”

“The centre was able to help me get a new life. I was dying when I went there. I have just about become brave enough now to start doing something like this. Many people who know me were very happy to help because they knew how messed up I was.”

He performed well-known favourites including True Colours and Hallelujah, alongside pianist and singer Anna Corcoran, as well as songs she has written.

John Bundrick, who has been part of The Who since 1979, played alongside Liverpool band Night Parade.

He said: “I am proud to have been asked to do this. I went to Alcoholics Anonymous, one day I saw a hand switch off a light switch and I haven’t drunk since. I have been sober now for around 15 years.

“Pete (Townshend) has been my saving grace, we are very close in an odd sort of way. We know when we look at each other when we know we are connecting.”

There was also a performance from Hannah Clive at the concert, which was held at Highworth Methodist Church.

Susan Tollington, centre manager at Gloucester House who helped and counselled Phil from the day he arrived at the centre, was watching the performance.

“More than £1,000 has been raised today which means we can sponsor some more clients through Gloucester House,” she said.

“We can give somebody a chance to get a new life.”

For more information about Gloucester House call 01793 762365.