BLACKBURN band The Illicits have enlisted the help of Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones on their new single.

Left Behind, which is released today, features the legendary guitarist and the band are hoping it will follow the success of their debut release In What World which sold out and went in at number four in the vinyl singles chart.

Jones offered to play on the limited edition single after hearing a demo version sent to him by The Illicits’ manager Gary Aspden.

Darwen-born Gary, the man behind the adidas Spezial trainer and the hugely successful exhibition in Blackburn, said: “Steve’s a friend of mine and I sent him a rough version of the song for him to listen to. He came back and said he loved it and offered to play something on it.”

Jones recorded his guitar part in Los Angeles and sent it over to be added into the final mix of the single produced by The Coral’s Bill Ryder Jones.

The single also includes a cover of the Underworld track Born Slippy which has become a favourite at the band’s live shows.

Today’s single release is the latest step in the remarkable rise of the band.

They began 2019 as virtual unknowns until Alan McGee, the man behind Oasis, signed them up for his new record label Creation23.

Since then, the four-piece have appeared on Soccer AM, supported both the Zutons and Miles Kane and most recently supported Liam Gallagher on his UK arena tour including a date in Manchester last week

Now they are preparing for their biggest headline show to date - at King George’s Hall in their home town on Saturday, December 21.

It has been announced that Alan McGee will be playing a DJ set at the show and support will come from Ivory Wave.

“The response to the band has been tremendous,” said Gary. “It looks as though the new single will sell out and the debut single has already become a collector’s item. Being on tour with Liam was great exposure for them and has created even mroe interest in them.”

The Illicits - George Richards on vocals, Brad Hayes on guitar, bassist Joe Mitchell and drummer Matt Cottam - will prepare for their headline show by touring Scotland with Primal Scream.

“The King George’s Hall date is something special for the lads,” said Gary. “It’s going to be a great way to round off a memorable year and it will give their friends and fans a chance to see how far they have come.”

n Details of the single from www.theillicits.com. The Illicits play King George’s Hall on Saturday, December 21. Tickets from 0844 847 1664 or www.kinggeorgeshall.com