Bermuda's favourite performers are organising a musical reunion at Marriott's Castle Harbour.

In 1973, Formula III won the Battle of the Groups contest and headlined at all the major night spots on the Island. Now they are organising a come-back show entitled Valentine Love. The appearance of some of Bermuda's top performers, including Shine Hayward, Bootsie, (Big Daddy) Gates, Stardust, and the D.D.T.

band, all featured as special guest artists, should make this a musical night to remember.

Part of the evening's proceeds will be donated to Families in Recovery Support Team (FIRST) in memory of the late Deborah Robinson. In fact, it was her untimely death two years ago that led to Formula III's first small reunion.

"We performed a special tribute to Debbie as she used to sing with us as part of our show,'' explains group spokesman Mr. George Simons. "When we walked onstage that night, we all felt that magic -- and this show has really come out of that.'' Adding that he and fellow songsters Gary Bean and Terry Sargeant all feel very strongly about the drug problem, Mr. Simons says they were anxious to give "something back'' to the community. "Now,'' he adds, "we want to see all the people who supported us in the old days, and for the young to come out to Marriott's and see what we're all about!'' For a lot of people, believes Mr. Simons, this should be a trip down memory lane: "When we decided to organise the show, everyone was unanimous in saying that we'd have to find some of the old songs we used to sing.'' Accordingly, Formula III hope to weave their old magic with songs made popular by such groups as the Stylistics, O'Jays, the Temptations and the Four Tops.

Most of all, on this Valentine weekend, the emphasis will be on love.

"The name of our show should give the ladies some idea of what to expect,'' says Mr. Simons. "There seems to be a yearning for the old songs, that had such great melodies. Our music was very simple, but very melodic. Today, big strides have been made on the technical side -- you don't need a whole band to cut a record like you did back then -- but perhaps some of the melody has been sacrificed.'' "I think people also want to hear live music,'' adds Mr. Bean, "and if we get the support, we hope to go on for another 20 years!'' What will be new, says Mr. Sargeant, are some of the harmonies: "We never did those before -- for example, we recorded a reggae song, but we've never performed it live. There will be some Maxi Priest, so there should be something for everyone.'' Determined that their reunion show will be "something to remember'', Formula III are excited by the calibre of guest artists who have agreed to appear with them.

"When we decided to go ahead with the show, we felt we only wanted Bermuda's finest to support us. So we have `Bermuda's Finest Dancers' and that includes Stephanie Perinchief (who's also on the committee), Wanda Maxwell, Bernadette Wilson, Oneka Paynter and Mary McCallan. Shine Hayward, Big Daddy Gates and Bootsie need no introduction. Then there is Stardust, with the female vocalists from Gene Steede's show -- Dawnette Robinson, Rochelle Simons and Sheila Smith.'' Shine Hayward will be doing a solo spot "because we've stolen his old band,'' laughs George Simons. "We have Tony Cox on drums, Dennis Francis on bass, Darrell Simons on keyboards, Derek Simmons on guitar and we're also hoping to have Erwin Leader on percussion.'' They are also hoping that people will dress up for the occasion: "After all, it is Valentine's weekend,'' says Mr. Sargent.

Formula III are pleased with the support being shown by Marriott's Castle Harbour, pointing out the hotel was offering dinner and overnight specials.

There will be two shows on February 12 -- one at 8 p.m. and another at 11.30 p.m. (seating is on a first-come, first-served basis). Tickets at $30 are on sale at 27th Century Boutique. For further information, telephone 292-4262.

VALENTINE REUNION -- Stepping back into the limelight after a 15-year break are Formula III. Pictured are (left to right): Gary Bean, Terry Sargeant, George Simons.