Stiffs to play first headline show in Blackburn for 17 years

The power pop/punk quartet featuring all four original members, will round-off a unique event at King George’s Hall in November.

Past Present and Future has been funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and is a celebration of Blackburn bands from the Seventies through to the present day.

To coincide with the one-off concert, a special booklet is to be produced recording as many Blackburn bands from the past 50 years as possible.

Funding for Past, Present and Future has been secured by Phil McNally of McNally’s Music Tuition based on Simmons Street in Blackburn.

“The idea is to bring different generations of Blackburn bands together on one stage for one night,” he said. “To have The Stiffs as headliners is unbelievable. They have influenced so many young bands over the years.”

The Ruby Tuesdays

The line-up for Past Present and Future includes Anhedonia and The Ruby Tuesdays plus singer-songwriter Teri Birtwistle representing the current generation of Blackburn musicians plus two bands formed by MMT students - Free From the Wilde and The Preachers - representing the future music scene in the town.

“This is not a showcase event,” said Phil who has organised a series of sold-out events featuring a number of bands made up of MMT students. “For the two young bands this is a big step up, the audience will be expecting a certain level of performance.

“Without the support of the National Lottery Heritage fund this event wouldn’t be possible and a key element of Past Present and Future will be the accompanying booklet.

“The idea is to celebrate the community of musicians who have come together in Blackburn over the years. The aim is to have profiles on as many bands as possible; the line-ups, the style of music, where they played to recognise the contribution that these musicians have made to the local music scene over the years.”

The Stiffs who played their first gig at East Lancs Cricket Club in 1977 when none of the members were old enough to buy a drink at the bar became a favourite of the great John Peel who championed their music on his Radio One show.

They are probably best known for their singles Inside Out and Goodbye My Love, a cover of the Glitter Band’s song.

Widely tipped to be the next big thing having signed to EMI, for various reasons massive success just remained out of reach and by mid 1981 the band split. They subsequently reformed but last played King George’s Hall in 2005 and they also headlined Darwen Live in 2010.

“Getting The Stiffs to headline was the springboard for the whole event,” said Phil.

“Now we are looking for people to let us know about the Blackburn bands they remember who they think should be included into the Past Present Future booklet “

A special Facebook group has been set up for the event where suggestions about bands for the booklet can be left using the link www.facebook.com/pastpresentandfutureblackburn

Tickets for Past Present Future at King George’s Hall, Blackburn, on Saturday, November 26 are now on sale from www.bwdvenues.com or MMT