Destiny calling

BEATS: British rockers Spear of Destiny have built a cult following during their 27-year career.

The band —Craig Adams, Kirk Brandon, Mike Kelly and Adrian Portas — will play at Manchester’s Club Academy on Thursday.

The band was established in 1983 and, as happened with Joy Division and New Order, they were criticised for the potential Nazi overtones of the name.

However, such links were fiercely denied, particularly since the band members were politically left-leaning.

Although Spear of Destiny have enjoyed a moderate level of chart and commercial success, their reputation is mainly based on their strong live performances.

Their most successful single was “Never Take Me Alive” which made the top 20 in 1987.

In the mid-80s, they supported U2 at Wembley Stadium and were due to play at Reading Festival but pulled out when Brandon contracted Reiter Disease which put him out of action for a year.


Moon shines

RIDING high on the back of their latest album release, Moon Duo are embarking on a mini UK tour.

The pair, who released “Love on the Sea” and “Killing Time EP” in 2009, received high praise from critics for “Escape”, which came out earlier this month.

The duo — Sanae Yamada and Erik Johnson — will play new tracks at Sacred Trinity Church in Manchester on Sunday.