Legend Clint’s encore

OLDHAM rock legend Clint Boon will spin the decks one last time at The Castle this weekend.

The Inspiral Carpets musician will headline the last shindig at the venue.

Oasis, Stone Roses and Red Hot Chilli Peppers are just a few of the blockbuster acts to have performed at the Union Street building over the years. Pete Doherty, Kasabian, The Courteeners and Twisted Wheel all count The Castle among their early gigs.

The building, originally the Grey Horse Inn, was built 150 years ago by Enoch Bloomer, who sold beer there. Robinsons Brewery bought the beerhouse, the corner shop and other premises in the 1930s.

The late 1980s saw the pub rebranded as disco bar The Castle , which later became Amsterdam Bar and Bar 38, along the way becoming an established, vibrant centre for live music.

In 2011 the venue marked a 10-year refurbishment with a rename back to The Castle. Manc legends Peter Hook and Shaun Ryder each performed to celebrate the occasion. But the venue hasn’t been operational since Christmas.

Clint, who became a DJ at The Castle, said: “The place has great memories for me. The Inspiral Carpets used to play there and I used the place as a rehearsal room for my other band The Clint Boon Experience.

“I am gutted it is going, but sometimes it’s time to call it a day, like when the Hacienda in Manchester closed. This weekend will be about celebrating the place as a great venue.”

Steve Jones, manager of The Castle, added: “It will be a sad weekend, but we hope to give the place a good send off.”

Revellers can enjoy live music one last time this Saturday with The Rivertairs and special guests on the bill. On Sunday Castle DJs from all eras will raise the roof. Admission is free, both nights.