FOOTBALL fans might spot a familiar face if they go to Preston’s 53 Degrees on Sunday to see From the Jam on their current UK tour.

For the support are the Adam Barton Band, with Preston North End midfielder Adam behind the drumkit.

A rock and roll band is an unlikely refuge for a footballer but for Adam, 20, who has recently been selected for the Republic of Ireland under-21 side, music is in his blood.

“We always had music around the house,” he said. “I started to play drums at an early age and have always enjoyed it.”

Adam’s dad Pete is well-known on the music scene, both as a member of The Animals and Friends and as a promoter.

“It was my dad who got us Sunday’s gig,” said Adam.

“He said ‘I’ve got you a date’ and then said it was supporting Bruce Foxton and From the Jam.

"This will be our first real public gig so there’s a lot of pressure on us but the fact that my dad has put his reputation on the line by booking us also gives us a lot of confidence.”

The Adam Barton Band is a five-piece made up of friends who met while at St Augustine’s High School, Billington.

“I’ve been in a couple of tribute bands before for The Jam and the Arctic Monkeys,” said Adam.

“But with this band we play all our own material.”

The band made their first live performance as part of last week’s Pickwick Night celebrations in Whalley.

As a key member of Preston North End’s squad, Adam, who lives in Clitheroe, was initially concerned about the reaction he might get from the club about being in a band.

“I was a little apprehensive at first,” he said. “I didn’t know what they’d say. But they have been great about it.

“Music is my hobby so it’s not too different from some of the guys who love to play golf on their days off.

“With me it’s music and we rehearse when we get the opportunity. All the band know what commitments I have with my football and we work it round that.

“We’ve been putting some songs together and now have around 10 or so which form a set. Where it will go from there who knows? We’d certainly like to get more gigs organised.

“Should the band take off then that’s something I would have to think about but football does come first and the music is just something I enjoy.”

*The Adam Barton Band, 53 Degrees, Preston, Sunday. Details from the box office on 01772 893000