Venue dragged into band row

Cannock's Prince Of Wales Centre looks set to be embroiled in a high court legal battle after billing a 'fake' band under the name of The Drifters.

Bosses at the venue have been left red-faced after advertising the US band as appearing in the town - when in fact they are not.

Fans from across the Chase have paid £17.50 to see what they thought was the real group on March 17 after the Prince of Wales included a picture in its programme and described the band as being in existence "for over 53 years".

Despite being warned they could be sued for damages if the show goes ahead, a spokesman for the Church Street centre said they were under a "legal obligation" to allow the March 17 concert to take place.

Over 20 theatres from across the UK have been dragged into the court battle and were today warned by top law firm Clintons that they risk being sued.

The Treadwell family, who have musically and legally controlled The Drifters since 1953, are accusing their former British tour manager Philip Luderman, former agent Mark Lundquist and four musicians of "passing off" a UK group as the real thing and infringing The Drifters' trademark.

A spokesman for Cannock District Council said: "The council is aware of a dispute between the Drifters UK Ltd and other persons concerning the use of the name The Drifters.

"The council, prior to becoming aware of this dispute, entered into a legally binding contract with The Drifters UK to appear at the Prince of Wales Centre on March 16 and perform their show, called The Drifters."

The Drifters are famous for hits such as Saturday Night At The Movies and Under The Boardwalk.