LIVE music will return once more to The Nags Head in London Road, which was made famous by the promoter Ron Watts in the 60s.

The pub closed last November after the landlord decided to move on and is set to re-open today after a refurbishment.

Marco Iorio, who manages WAMA in Bridge Street, has taken over the running of the live music venue and said it will open tonight.

He said: "I just saw it available. I drove past and saw it was to let and I was just being nosey."

Mr Iorio said he hopes to bring back bands who played there in the 60s and 70s and already has bookings lined up.

He said: "I feel quite honoured. It was well known in the 70s. Big names have played in this pub. It has been interesting sending out emails to get them in again."

Mr Iorio, 37, said The Nags Head Blues Loft, as he wants it to be know, will keep the top floor for live gigs and have more "people friendly" music downstairs in the bar area.

He wants to make the back room a chill-out area.

He added: "We are going to strip it back and get lots of nice beers in."

Ron Watts promoted The Nags Head in the 60s. He became well known for putting on high calibre acts such as Fleetwood Mac, Chicken Shack, Howlin' Wolf and the Sex Pistols.

And Mr Iorio said he hopes to get a lot of the punk bands which played here in the past back again, some of which, he said are doing it for a nostalgic trip.

Guns 2 Roses will be there on February 10, Chris Helme from the Seahorses on February 16, The Anti Nowhere League on February 17 and Chelsea on February 24.

He said there is a very special gig on February 25 with Simon Townshend headlining and supported by Subrosa5 and Jet, and also a very special guest. It is already sold out.

On March 4 The Caroloregians Fat is Back album tour; 999 on March 9, Glen Matlock and the Philistines on March 24, Roses Kings and Castles on March 31 and The Vibrators on April 7.

And a WAMA in Bridge Street during February DJ Friction will be playing on February 10 and Miss Dynamite will be performing on February 17.

To book tickets and for full listings go to www.wamalamadingdong.com.

The Nags Head Blues Loft is offering two free tickets to the sold out gig on February 25 to see Simon Townshend, the younger brother of The Who's Pete Townshend, who will be bringing a special guest. Simply send your name, address and telephone number to rcain@london.newsquest.co.uk with the subject heading Simon Townshend or write to Rebecca Cain, Bucks Free Press, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, Loudwater, High Wycombe, HP10 9TY. The competition will close on Thursday, February 2 and the winner will be announced in the BFP on February 10.