Guitar ace to give special Courts gig

Aziz Ibrahim, who replaced John Squire on six-string duties in the Stone Roses and played with the group until it split in 1996, will play an intimate gig at The Old Courts next week.

As well as starring in the band known for hits such as Fool’s Gold, Aziz performed as guitarist in Simply Red and worked extensively with Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown during his career as a solo artist.

Now established as a creative figure on the British alternative rock and roots music scenes, Aziz will give fans the chance to get up close and hear tracks from across his career in the snug surrounds of The Bailiff Bar at the Crawford Street arts venue.

The Old Courts programming director Jonathan Davenport said: “Aziz is a humble, decent, avid performer. He has performed with Simply Red and The Stone Roses and toured and co-wrote with Ian Brown during his outstanding, cutting-edge solo career.

“I’m really excited about this line-up. All the musicians are extremely talented and guests are advised to get down early as it will be a popular night.”

Brought up in the Longsight area of Manchester to Pakistani parents, Aziz is also associated with the h Band featuring Steve Hogarth from Marillion and has worked with the likes of Paul Weller, Steven Wilson from Porcupine Tree and rockers Asia.

He has also released solo albums, including debut Lahore to Longsight which was described as Asian Blues, and has worked extensively with musicians from the Indian subcontinent who play instruments such as the tabla drums.

He is also a record label owner and mentor for young up-and-coming artists from Manchester and celebrated his 50th birthday in 2014 with a lavish bash at the city’s venue The Roadhouse attended by a host of famous musical names.

Aziz will be supported on his visit to Wigan by Andy Stonier, a singer-songwriter who has become known for his tender vocal tone and engaging delivery, and local musician Rob Macdonald who is heavily influenced by jazz and blues.

The gig is on Friday August 5 in The Bailiff Bar at The Old Courts, starting at 7.30pm. Entry is £3 to be paid on the door. For more information visit www.theoldcourts.com