Covers band goes out with a celebration for loyal fans

They may be older and wiser after 23 years, but Mid Life Crisis still know how to party.

The band, which began with jam sessions in the garage, began taking things more seriously when their performance at a 40th birthday party got a good reaction from the crowd.

"Dave Jacks came along one day and said, 'I have a birthday coming up, would you like to play?' That was on Bastille Day in 1989," Havelock North accountant and singer/guitarist Howard Padman says.

"After that first gig we thought that was it, but the phone started ringing and we kept playing 40th birthdays, then 50ths."

Over the years, the talented covers act have been in hot demand at weddings, balls, reunions, corporate events and more. Now it's finally time to hang up their instruments.

"We're not getting any younger. Setting up and packing away all the equipment, it's getting harder and harder."

To farewell their loyal fans, Mid Life Crisis will hold one last hurrah at Black Barn's Amphitheatre on Saturday night.

Already, 1000 of the 1750 tickets have sold. Past and present band members will take the stage to play hits from Del Shannon to The Exponents.

"There's going to be 10 of us appearing on stage, starting with four of the originals, then we are doing three sets, ending with the current members," Padman says.

Although Mid Life Crisis are still getting booking requests, they want a clean break.

"We want to go out in style, rather than just fading away."

Padman says Saturday will be more of a celebration than a concert, and welcomes anyone wanting to have a good time.

"We are going to be singing 40 odd songs, we hope to make people feel like they are teenagers again. It's going to be fun."

Mid Life Crisis play Black Barn Vineyards from 7.30pm Saturday. General admission is $25.