SLACK Alice are heading for Colne’s Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival in August, but not before they headline a special night of their own at Clitheroe’s Grand Theatre.

Formed by Cliff Stocker in the early 1970s, these seasoned bluesmen always deliver a master class in musicianship and raw passion.

Their new album, their seventh offering, Never, Never, Ever Give Up, was recorded at the venue’s studio.

Cliff said: “I’ve played music all over the world, recording at the famous Abbey Road Studios in London and at Graceland Studios in America, but the Grand was a better experience.

“I’m very excited by the album. We’ve had Zoot Money and guitarist Jerry Donahue as guests, and the kids from the Grand’s stage school have provided the backing vocals for one of the tracks, Liar.

“Their singing was amazing. It really made me proud to see them perform like that.”

Cliff explained that Never, Never, Ever, Give Up was inspired by a Second World War quote from war leader Sir Winston Churchill.

He said: “Winston Churchill was my hero, an amazing character who gave so my people hope and I just thought it fitted well because we are still here battling, celebrating 40 years of the band this year.”

Playing throughout Europe, Slack Alice gained a dedicated following, signing to Chapell Music and appearing on the cult BBC music programme, The Old Grey Whistle Test.

“When we went on the OGWT Bob Harris loved one of the songs we wrote, Monday Morning Blues, and that gave us a lot of exposure,” said Cliff.

They eventually folded, but not before Cliff had teamed up with the band Seven Year Itch, who enjoyed a huge hit in Holland with their song Oh Ya Ha, later resurfacing on Slack Alice’s Broken Dreams’ album.

But the pull of Slack Alice proved too strong and Cliff re-formed the band in 1998.

They have since gone from strength, delighting audiences with main stage appearances at blues festivals nationwide.

“It was like we were just on the verge of something really big the first time, and then it just fell to bits,” said Cliff. “But the musicians in the new band — Liam Barber, Chris Preston, Colin Redmond and Alan Sagar are brilliant craftsmen.

“I’m constantly amazed by the musical talent I see.

“The writing and creativity is just as strong as it was in the 1970s, but the tragedy for a lot of kids is that they are running out of places to play.

“All the pubs, traditional venues for bands, are shutting down and they are losing the places where, in the past, they could showcase their talent.

“That’s why I love Colne Blues Festival because it is such a celebration and keeps the fires burning bright.

“We don’t do many gigs in Lancashire, but we always come back to the Grand and Colne.”

  • Slack Alice plus support from Whalley’s Solid Rock and Barnoldswick group Cert, the Grand, Clitheroe, Saturday, July 27. Details from 01200 421599. Slack Alice also headline the Bulmers British Stage at Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival in Colne on Friday, August 23. Details from 01282 661234.