Hills alive to 99’s sound

BEATS:

SADDLEWORTH rockers The 99s will launch their new album with an exclusive homecoming gig in Uppermill.

The trio — bassist James Loughlin, drummer Adam Quigley and guitarist Johnny West — have planned launches in London, Manchester, York and Scotland but were keen to keep their local fanbase happy.

You certainly can’t accuse them of a lack of ambition as they proudly say they are on a mission to do for Saddleworth what The Beatles did for Liverpool.

James said: “We want to put where we come from back on the map for the right reason.

“The music we write reflects our area as it is written from the top of hills.”

The band’s biggest fan, Addy Dearnly, landlord at Uppermill pub The Wagon, was so keen to get the lads to play locally that he paid for Friday’s gig, including the hire of Uppermill Civic Hall and bar staff for the night.

Entry will be £5 which includes a five-track album sampler and the support slots will be filled by The Sleazy Maguires and Bluebird Kid Clark.