Tinkers on Peel album

FOLK band the Oldham Tinkers feature on a new album backed by legendary Radio 1 DJ John Peel to commemorate the Peterloo Massacre.

The group took part on “Peterloo”, a collection of 20 tracks from a selection of North-West artists, which includes Rochdale and Heywood band Tractor.

The album was the brainchild of Tractor manager and sound engineer Chris Hewitt, who, with support from his DJ pal, wanted to create a concept album in the 1970s about the 1819 massacre.

A total of 14 people, six from Oldham, were killed by sabre-wielding cavalrymen sent to clear a crowd of 70,000 people who gathered at St Peter’s Field, (Manchester Central, formerly the G-Mex), to demand reform of Parliamentary representation.

The project was put on hold until the early 2000s when a campaign was started to establish a fitting memorial.

Popular DJ Peel died from a heart attack at the age of 65 in 2004, while on holiday in Peru. Seven years later, the album has been officially launched.

For more details or to buy a copy call 01565-734 066 or email ozitrecords@which.net.