Space back in the '˜Neighbourhood'

An alternative pop-rock group which has sold more than two million albums will reach a new frontier when it returns to Wigan tonight.
SpaceSpace
Space

Liverpool-based act Space, best known for single Female of the Species which became the theme tune to TV show Cold Feet, performs at The Old Courts this evening.

The group, made up of singer and guitarist Tommy Scott, keyboardist and synth player Franny Griffith, bassist Phil Hartley and drummer Allan Jones, is playing live at the Crawford Street venue following the release of latest album Give me your Future last May.

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In more than 20 years on the music scene Space has notched up no fewer than 10 top 40 singles, including Neighbourhood, Avenging Angels and Dark Clouds.

The band has previously gone down a storm in Wigan with its sound which mixes guitar with synths, electronics and sampling and its quirky, often dark-humoured lyrics, and bosses at The Old Courts are looking forward to welcoming the group to the former seat of justice once again.

Director Jonny Davenport said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming Space back to The Old Courts. They’re obviously really well known for their hits but we saw first hand that their live show is amazing.

“They had everyone dancing and the atmosphere was electric so it’s no surprise the tickets have flown out again.”

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The band, which in recent shows have been joined on stage by second guitarist Paul Hemming, is also ready to play Wigan once more this evening.

Frontman Tommy said: “We absolutely loved playing The Old Courts last year, the fans are magic so we are so much looking forward to the show. It’s going to be a special night.”

Bassist Phil added: “Wigan was one of the best shows of the last tour, the crowd are always up for it and I love the venue. Bring it on!”

Formed in 1993, Space were originally influenced by classic rock groups such as The Kinks and The Who and the band initially channelled a retro ‘60s groove.

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However, the group’s eclectic interests in everything from post-punk and ska to hip hop and vintage film soundtracks soon led to the forging of Space’s distinctive sound with elements of electronics and the addition of keyboards and synths.

The band also started to plough an individual furrow with their lyrics, which dealt in an over-the-top and often-hilarious way with serial killers, failed relationships, social outcasts and mental health issues.

Space’s quirky sense of humour is perhaps best summed up by album titles such as The Attack of the Mutant 50ft Kebab and unusual song names including Me and You Versus The World.

The group is currently on its second run of dates supporting Give me your Future following the huge acclaim for the live shows which accompanied the album’s launch last year.

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Space worked on its latest full-length with producer Steve Levin, who has worked with the likes of The Clash, Culture Cub, Beach Boys, Deniece Williams and Gary Moore.

The band is not resting on its laurels, with its first trip Stateside for 20 years planned for later this year and an ambitious five-CD boxset including unreleased material also in the pipeline.

Space plays The Old Courts tonight. For more information visit www.theoldcourts.com

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