A ROSSENDALE musician is set to support indie giants Elbow during their homecoming gig in Manchester next month.

Singer-songwriter Joseph Lofthouse, of Bond Street, Edenfield, will open for the band, fronted by Guy Garvey, at the 3,500-capacity Manchester Apollo on February 5.

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The 24-year-old, who splits his time between East Lancashire and London playing gigs, said it would be “an absolute privilege” to play before platinum-selling five piece.

Joseph was spotted by Elbow guitarist Mark Potter playing an open-mic night at the First Chop in Ramsbottom last year.

He previously supported the band, who played their first ever gig in the now defunct Corner Pin pub in Bolton Road North, at the O2 Academy in Newcastle last March.

The former Haslingden High School student said: “Mark was in with his girlfriend watching me play and and I did a bit of networking after. He came back two weeks later and watched me again and offered me the support slot.

“The Apollo show will be the biggest crowd I have ever played to.

“I was extremely intimidated last time but I’m a lot less nervous now I’ve got a band backing me.

“It should be a good gig for us.

“I really appreciate Guy Garvey’s lyrics and I’ve been a huge fan of theirs since they released The Seldom Seen Kid so it’s amazing to be sharing a stage with them, but you have to treat it like any other gig.”

Joseph, who also attended Edenfield CE Primary School, currently works as a writer to earn a living, but said a career as a professional musician was his dream.

He cut his teeth as a solo artist around venues in Leicester, while studying music technology and innovation at De Montfort University Last September, Joseph released his debut EP, The Four and Two, and counts Nick Drake, John Martyn and Andy McKee among his biggest influences.

He said: “I have been playing guitar since I was 14 and and although I have a job to pay the bills, I’m beginning to earn a bit more from music and that’s what I want to do long-term.

“I do acoustic singer-songwriter stuff with a lot of folk, but I can mix in heavier stuff as well.”

After supporting Elbow, Joseph will play at Cafe Artisan in Brook Street, Rawtenstall, on February 6, where he will be supported by Haslingden duo Stained Glass Ceiling.