Islander Ronnie Sims supported the guitar legend nicknamed Slowhand when the Steve Boyce Band appeared on the bill at the Hard Rock Calling festival on June 28.

The 51-year-old and his bandmates scooped the gig of a lifetime by winning Virgin Radio's One Last Dream competition.

Ronnie, who has been around on the music scene for the past 30 years said it was a "dream come true."

He said on the eve of the concert: "The thought of Eric Clapton watching us on stage is unreal. I'd give up my job and go back to playing full-time without a second thought.

"For anyone who has ever played guitar or unloaded a van at 3am after playing a pub gig in front of 10 people, this is for them."

"It is a reward for all the hard work over the years and we'll have a party whatever happens," added Ronnie who lives in Palmerston Road.

The band won by taking 55 per cent of the vote and celebrated with champagne.

The four-piece band were up against former '80s act Daniel Takes a Train – a cross between The Smiths and Human League.
Virgin breakfast DJ Christian O'Connell played an original song by each of the groups every day for a week, with the public asked to vote over three days before the result was announced on June 9.

It will be a big step-up for the London-based band when they grace the stage at Hyde Park – their biggest crowd to date was 500 people in Carshalton.

Back in 1977 Mr Sims and his bandmates had fame and fortune within their grasp when Warner Brothers offered them a record deal in 1980.

They supported the likes of Iron Maiden and Marillion but success faded almost overnight, and they soon split-up after being dropped by their label almost immediately after signing.

Now victory could mean a return to the old rock and roll days for the band – but sadly original drummer Trevor McBridge, died of throat cancer 18 months ago.

The band reformed for a charity gig in his memory last year with 37-year-old Gary Hunsley on drums.

They also played a warm-up gig at the Hard Rock Cafe in Park Lane, a couple of nights before the big gig.

Mr Sims was quick to pay tribute to Hampshire rock fans for their continued support.

He said: "The people around Portsmouth gave us great support and from my point of view, this is for them."