FIFTY years after they took the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival of Music by storm, British blues-rock pioneers Ten Years After will play at Experience 1970.

They will be back at the iconic original site this September, with classic rock offerings such as I’m Going Home, Love Like a Man and I Can't Keep From Crying.

They enjoyed great commercial success between 1968 and 1973 and also appeared at Woodstock in 1969.

They still tour to enthusiastic crowds today.

They were led by inspirational guitarist Alvin Lee, who died seven years ago, but still boast two original members — keyboard player Chick Churchill and drummer Ric Lee.

They are joined by critically acclaimed lead guitarist Marcus Bonfanti and respected bass player Colin Hodgkinson, who has collaborated with greats such as Bill Wyman, Alexis Korner and Gary Moore.

It’s the second original 1970 artist coup in as many weeks for the chief organisers and promoters Chris Hewitt and Andy Sharrocks following the signing of Moody Blues’ John Lodge.

Chris said: “I have been on the trail of Ten Years After for some time and we are delighted they will be playing at East Afton Farm in September."

Famously, love was in the air for the band back in 1970. Chick Churchill fell in love with the landlord’s daughter at the mansion the band were staying at on the Island.

They ended up together and were married for 25 years.

It is sure to be an emotional return to the site when Experience 1970 will take place on September 4, 5 and 6.

On the Friday, Iain Matthews, who played the inaugural 1968 IW Festival as part of Fairport Convention, will appear with Andy Roberts, who played in 1970 as a member of Liverpool Scene.

They played together for 37 years as Plainsong and will rekindle that fine folk-rock collaboration.

The anniversary festival bill also features Jacqui McShee’s Pentangle, Groundhogs, Nik Turner of Hawkwind, Arthur Brown and Dick Taylor, of The Pretty Things.

Sunday will be compered by 'Whispering Bob’ Harris.