Mike’s on a music mission

POP: LEWIS JONES chats to a pub landlord who aims to put Oldham top of the music scene

ONCE a magnet for top notch stars, Oldham’s music scene may have lost its way a little in recent years.

But one music-loving landlord is on a mission to bring back top acts to the town and he’s wasting no time in kick-starting the venture.

Mike Nuttall (37) is a first-timer in the game having given up his job in financial services to run the Junction Inn in Ripponden Road.

His vision comes in the form of a live music session labelled Acoustic Achord on Friday and Saturday nights, which will see a whole host of stars play intimate gigs.

Already booked is a set by Tom Hingley the frontman of legendary Oldham band Inspiral Carpets, who’ll perform on Friday July 29.

Other famous names ready and waiting to play the stage are Mark Morriss from the Bluetones and Chris Helme famed for playing with Seahorses and The Yards.

One of the stars also on the bill is Michele Stodart, best known for her place in the hit band the Magic Numbers.

Landlord Mike can’t wait to welcome Michele to the pub on Saturday, July 30, in the hope it will put the venue on the map as a credible venue in the heart of Oldham.

He said: “I thought we’d get a few local acts and maybe the odd name but I didn’t think it would quite take off the way that it has.

“Manchester is not far down the road but it might as well be a million miles away in terms of artists venturing to Oldham. Why should music fans have to trek into the city? We want to change that and make a real success of it here.”

Taking a break from the band, Michele’s now going it alone with an album on the way, and she’s more than ready to unveil the results her hard work.

She said: “I’ve got the best of both worlds being in a brilliant band that I love but also having the freedom to do my own thing.

“I’m so happy with the album and it’s been a secret for so long, now feels like the right time to let people hear the songs I’m so excited about.

“There so much emotion gone into the songs that I started writing tucked away in my bedroom.” She also revealed band mate and brother Romeo is already penning tracks for the next Numbers album.

He’ll also be performing his own set at the Oldham pub on October 1.

From the outset she admits she won’t beplaying hits from the Magic Numbers, fearing she won’t be able to do them justice alone. Instead she’ll be delivering her beautiful blend of laid back acoustic accompanied by strings.

Tickets for all the gigs can be bought at the pub or online at www.wegottickets.com/junctioninn.  

To listen to Michele Stodart’s music visit www.youtube.com/michelestodartband.