BY anyone’s standards, it was a “hell” of a good party.

But this show, held in a cave 300 feet underground, also raised £2,000 in memory of a legendary Oxfordshire music producer.

The Hell-Fire party saw local bands and music-lovers coming together as a tribute to Rich Haines, who died last year in his 40s, after suffering from brain tumours.

Mr Haines, from Woodstock, ran Dungeon Studios – based originally at Ascott House Farm, in West Oxfordshire, and then the Coldroom studios in Cumnor. He was a familiar personality on the county’s music scene and worked with the likes of Supergrass, the Candyskins and Radiohead.

The last band to record with the Woodstock producer was Subrosa5, from High Wycombe, who discussed with him the idea of holding a gig in the notorious Hell-Fire Caves at West Wycombe.

The caves were once the haunt of Sir Francis Dashwood’s hedonistic Hell-fire Club, and on May Day the dream became a reality, with a clutch of artists playing for a capacity crowd of 130 fans deep beneath the Chilterns.

Acts included Oxford’s The Family Machine, whose frontman Jamie Hyatt worked alongside Mr Haines at the mixing desk in his final months, and Mr Haines’ friend Mark Gardener, former frontman of ’90s “shoegazing” legends Ride.

Neil Peters, drummer with Subrosa5, said: “The band had worked with Rich five times and had a strong bond which grew into a good friendship.

“We were extremely proud to have been able to complete Rich’s last recording of an excellent career.

“Our recording included a song written about the legendary debauchery that took place in the Hell-Fire Caves in the late 17th and 18th century. This debauchery included visiting US presidents, members of England’s gentry, and even a rampant ape – which is said to have caused mayhem.

“While recording, Rich and the band had discussed how great it would be to play the song in the centre of the caves.

“So once Rich passed away the band decided to have a go.

“The aim was to gain respected musicians from Oxford, who knew or had recorded with Rich, and to have a good night to remember a great ‘old-boy’.”

The event was supported by the Dashwood estate, which still owns the caves and provided the venue for free, and by Sainsbury’s, which donated drinks.

Sound equipment was also provided free by a sound desk company from Northampton.

Proceeds from the sale of the £25 tickets were divided between Marie Curie Cancer Care and Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy.

The band hope to make the night an annual event. Mr Peters added: “We will do this every year if they’ll allow us.

“Rich was a legend in Oxford and beyond, and this is a great way to remember him. He’ll be remembered for being a joy to work with, as very talented – and very funny.”

Mr Haines’ widow Sue said: “It was wonderful to see all that going on in his memory.

“So much went into it and made us realise again what we’ve lost, but it was also a chance to remember him and his wit and wisdom.”