�The former guitarist from a chart-topping 1960s band has criticised a group for using its name.

Martin Murray, 71, is angry that a concert being given tomorrow (Fri) night at the Kenneth More Theatre, in Oakfield Road, Ilford, by the New Honeycombs, is just too close to his band’s original name, which he says he owns.

The Honeycombs shot to fame in 1964 with the No. 1 single Have I The Right? But now Mr Murray claims the New Honeycombs don’t have the right to use that name.

He told the Recorder: “Ilford is being ripped off by this group which is posing as me and my band.

“We are registered with Companies House as a musical band, so no one can use our name or anything similar.”

Mr Murray, who used to live in Lakeside Avenue, Clayhall, says he has complained to the Advertising Standards Authority but cannot afford the �35,000 cost of bringing legal action against the group.

On Tuesday the Kenneth More Theatre website showed a flyer for the Rock Around the Sixties night with the text: “Featuring The New Honeycombs who burst on to the scene in 1964 as part of the Joe Meek revolution ... They are now bigger and better than ever, and even more dynamic onstage.”

General manager of the theatre, Robert Jackson, denied that the wording was misleading but insisted it was a mistake. He said: “I have asked for the website to be changed and I will get this taken off the website now.

“We have been assured by the tour promoter that everything is fine and it will be a good evening.”

Paul Bonner, from the New Honeycombs, who are producing the show themselves, said: “We are not purporting to be the original line up and our flyer clearly says that we are a tribute act.

“We have the name registered and we have every right to use it. The show is going to be great.”