Mansfield-born writer and poet Richard C. Bower has been invited to perform at a prestigious tribute concert that will honour Japanese musician Damo Suzuki — the former vocalist of German rock group Can.

The event, Feel Free Energy: A Tribute to Damo Suzuki, will take place at Merton Arts Space, Wimbledon on 28th June.

Damo, who was once hailed by NME as one of the greatest rock and roll singers of all time, named Richard as his favourite poet.

The concert — Richard’s first performance in the capital — will also include an eclectic line-up of musicians and artists, paying homage to the iconic frontman.

Performers include London-based four-piece alternative rock band Bo Ningen, and a host of artists influenced by Suzuki’s boundary-breaking work with Can — a band that redefined rock music in the 1970s and inspired generations of musicians, from David Bowie to Radiohead.

Award-winning Richard, of Whitwell, who is the official Mansfield Town FC poet. said: “Damo was a true visionary — an artist who dismantled boundaries between performance, sound, and raw emotions.

“To be called his favourite poet was humbling; to perform at his tribute is a moment I’ll cherish.

“Mansfield has always been my muse, and now I get to take its voice to London in the most extraordinary way.”

The event will also start the poet’s promotional tour for his new collection, Introspective Soliloquies.

“This isn’t just a gig,” he added. “It’s a communion of radicals, artists, and dreamers.

“Damo taught us that art should be fearless. I’ll be carrying that energy with me on stage.”

Accredited by UNESCO Nottingham City of Literature, and a member of the historic Authors Club, Richard said he wanted to continue to elevate the town’s cultural legacy.

Tickets for the tribute concert are at https://www.seetickets.com/event/feel-free-energy-a-tribute-to-damo-suzuki/merton-arts-space-wimbledon-library/3401930