Legendary Pompey band Emptifish to play fundraising gig for Andrew Bache

Emptifish - from left, Craig Boyd, George Hart and Ian Parmiter Picture: Paul Windsor

The recently-reformed group asked if they could lend their services when they heard about what had happened to Andrew, known as Pepe.

Pepe was left with serious head injuries after being attacked by Russian thugs before England’s opening European Championship game in France.

He has been in hospital in Marseille ever since.

Long-term friend Crispin Harwood has been helping organise the fundraising to bring his pal home and for his future care.

He said: ‘I’ve known Emptifish’s singer George for years. My first Emptifish gig was the Rock Garden Pavillions way back when.

‘When this happened George got in touch and asked if there was anything they could do? So I said yes – please do a gig for us.’

Emptifish frontman George Hart said: ‘We’re up and running again so when I heard, if we can support them with something, then why not?

‘If you see someone fall in the street, you help them out don’t you? That’s what this is like for us.

‘Seeing what happened to the fans out there made me so angry, but being able to do this helps – it’s like you’re able to step in and put an arm around them as well.’

The amount raised for Pepe has edged closer to £30,000 following a charity football match at Priory School in Fratton, Portsmouth, on Tuesday night.

The match saw the under-40s side beat the over-40s team in a hard-fought clash.

Afterwards they went to the nearby Froddington Arms pub where a raffle was held.

‘It was a great night, unfortunately the weather was awful, but we still had a good 50 to 60 people turn up, plus the 40 players, so it was about 100 people there,’ said Crispin.

‘Alan Knight came along as well, and we had a penalty competition at half time.

‘He picked the best penalty and the winner got a ball signed by the Pompey squad.’

The money raised from the event is still being totalled up, but Crispin believes it is around £1,500.

Emptifish will play at The Wedgewood Rooms on Albert Road in Southsea on Saturday, July 30. Tickets cost £8, doors 8pm. Support is from Four Folds Law with more to be announced.

Go to wedgewood-rooms.co.uk or call the box office on (023) 9286 3911.

The JustGiving web page for Pepe has now been closed.