Less than eight months ago The Wagon Wheels played their first ever gig to an audience of mainly family and friends at the Avenue in Brockhall Village.

The band, a collection of well-known musicians from various outfits around Blackburn, didn’t know whether the night would be a one-off performance or the start of things to come.

Fast forward to today and the band has gained members – they are now a seven-piece – and tonight they headline a special Christmas celebration at King George’s Hall in Blackburn.

“It’s certainly been a hectic few months,” said lead singer Mick Spencer. “We genuinely didn’t know where things would lead with that first gig but it’s just clicked and without getting too carried away, the signs are looking good.”

Support slots with Dundee ruffians The View and legendary American outfit Jefferson Starship, saw the Wagon Wheels winning over new fans and tonight’s show rounds off the year in some style.

“We’ll be playing a rockier set tonight,” said Mick. “It’s Mad Friday when many people are finishing work for Christmas and we really want then to have a good time. That’s one of the things about this band. We can change our sound depending on the show. We’ve got some great musicians in the band and that shows through.”

Mick, best known for his days with The Burn, said: “We’ve all been round the block as far as being in bands and I think we’re all better equipped because of it. There’s a maturity in our music which people seem to appreciate.”

The band have just recorded an EP featuring three original songs Last Man Standing, The Handbook and Ghost Ship.

“We’re hoping to have the EP available at the gig but we’re in the hands of the courier bringing copies back from London, it is that tight,” said Mick.

As well as the Wagon Wheels, tonight’s show will also feature local bands R.Y.A.N, and the Mill Hill Billies.

“There are some good bands emerging in Blackburn again,” said Mick. “We want to let people know that there are bands out there who are worth going out to see.

“We want to try and put a smile back on people’s faces again, because these are hard times for a lot of people in Blackburn and this is a town I love.

“To be headlining a show at King George’s Hall in such a short space of time is great for us but we are not getting carried away.

“We will just keep working at what we do, writing songs and putting on live shows and hopefully more and more people will come to see us.”

  • Wagon Wheels with R.Y.A.N. and the Mill Hill Billies, King George’s Hall, Blackburn, tonight from 7pm