Carpets on a roll

OUR man Simon Smedley with Steve Holt, left, and Graham Lambert

ANTICIPATION is almost at fever pitch as Oldham’s favourite musical sons, the Inspiral Carpets, head off on an eagerly-awaited nationwide tour.

The former Madchester legends — vocalist Steve Holt, keyboard player Clint Boon, guitarist Graham Lambert, bassist Martyn Walsh and drummer Craig Gill — kick-off their jaunt up and down the land tonight in Portsmouth.

The Carpets will then be taking their energetic psychedelic sound on to Cardiff, Sheffield, Birmingham, Middlesbrough, Glasgow, Leeds, Nottingham, London, Manchester’s famous Ritz venue and Northampton, before wrapping up on December 21 in Preston.

There is clearly still a huge appetite for the Carpets as gig tickets have sold well — some venues have completely sold out — while the recently-released self-titled album has been well received.

Singer Holt, who stepped in to replace former front-man Tom Hingley in 2011, said: “Generally the reviews from fans and the press have been brilliant.

“Due to it being almost 25 years since we last did an album, we felt we needed to reintroduce ourselves.

Band founder member Lambert added: “When any band has just finished an album they generally do feel that it is their best, but I don’t recall ever listening to tracks over and over again like I have been doing with this one. It’s been a while, but that enthusiasm has been there again after being away for a good few years.

“I think it’s great personally. It’s upbeat, there’s loads of organ on there, backing vocals, catchy choruses and I’m sure each band member is happy with their personal contribution. We’re all very proud of it.”

At five of the live shows they will be joined by upcoming Oldham band the Gramotones.

Lambert revealed the band’s delight at their presence: “I’ve been following their progress for some time. They are a really promising band.

“It’s coincidental that they happen to be from Oldham, but for me that makes it all the more special to have them along with us.”

Tour tickets are available via www.inspiralcarpets.com