Liam Fray, frontman of Manchester’s The Courteeners, is to play a special acoustic set at Salford Lads Club. The gig has been organised by UK digital radio station XFM, and will take place on August 18th.
Speaking about the show, Fray said: “I’m quite honoured to be involved in something so unique. Salford Lads Club is a key part of musical history so I can’t wait to be there, with my guitar, to give the fans something special.” Later, Fray also revealed he would like The Smiths’ former frontman Morrissey to be present at the gig: “I’m sure he’ll be following it, there’ll be an invitation in the post to him somewhere.”
Salford Lads Club became synonymous with The Smiths after it appeared on their classic 1986 album ‘The Queen Is Dead‘, and featured on the footage of Morrissey cycling through the streets of Manchester which was used on the videos for ‘I Started Something I Couldn’t Finish‘ and ‘There Is a Light That Never Goes Out‘. Recently, Morrissey donated £20,000 towards the refurbishment of the club which has helped to make the show possible.
Xfm Breakfast’s Tim Cocker has described his delight at the announcement. “It’s amazing that we can give our listeners the chance to attend such a special show,” he said. “Salford Lads Club is an iconic part of Manchester and its musical heritage. Liam is a top songwriter and great frontman so it’s going to be an amazing show and anyone lucky enough to be there is in for a treat.”
Manchester-based fans can win tickets by tuning into 97.7 FM in Manchester, while those outside Manchester can go online at xfm.co.uk.