ROCK legends are being brought together for the unveiling of a plaque in Cirencester that honours the town’s most famous musician.

Talented drummer Cozy Powell played in host of huge rock bands in the 80s including, The Jeff Beck Group, Rainbow, Whitesnake and Black Sabbath and was regarded as one of the best drummers of his generation.

In 1998 the rock world was in mourning when Cozy who loved fast cars was killed in a car accident on the M4.

But Cozy's memory lives on and Cirencester Town Council decided to create the plaque to remember him, which will be unveiled at the Corn Hall in the town on January 7, by Queen guitarist Brian May who was good friends with Cozy.

And a  number of Cozy’s rock star friends will also be attending the event including Black Sabbath lead guitarist and founder Tony Iommi and American musician Suzy Quatro who is regarded as the first female bass player to become a major rock star.

The news of the plaque unveiling has excited many in the town, including lead singer of popular Cirencester band Dealer, Trevor Short,  who knew Cozy through his uncle Malcolm, who helped teach him to play drums.

He said: “He played with everyone, he was so well respected by these people that is why they are turning up for this.

“I think it is brilliant [that a plaque is being unveiled in Cozy’s honour] and it is long long overdue. Cozy is Cirencester’s biggest export in terms of rock and roll.”

The plaque unveiling ceremony will be open to the public but there will then be a VIP reception at the Corn Hall, which is invite only, and will be attended by the rock legends.

Among the other big name musicians attending the event will be Don Airey, Deep Purple keyboardist, former Black Sabbath lead singer Tony Martin plus Neil Murray and Bernie Marsden who have featured in Whitesnake.

Fans will be able to see rock music memorabilia and listen to tributes by local musicians at the reception.

Organisers hope that the reception will be filmed and included in a documentary about Cozy’s life entitled, Dance With The Devil, The Cozy Powell Story, which is currently in production.

Cirencester Town Council submitted plans for the plaque in response to a petition by Italian woman Rossella Amadori that asked for the town to create one to remember him and was signed by 3000 people.

Rossella is desperately trying to raise funds to transport one of Cozy’s best friends Pete Ball to the UK from South Africa.

Pete’s health is declining badly and it could be his last chance to visit the UK.

Pete, who is originally from Birmingham, played with Cozy a in several bands including the Sorcerors and Young Blood.

To thank people for making a donation, Pete promises to tell people what happened at both the public unveiling and VIP reception and share with them some of his memories of the early days with Cozy.

To make a donation towards getting Pete to the plaque unveiling visit paypal.com and make a payment to Pete’s paypal account at petebonesball933@gmail.com.

The unveiling of the plaque takes place at 2.30pm.