The Clone Roses on Parr Hall gig

Ahead of a return to Parr Hall on Saturday, October 1, lead singer of the St Helens tribute group Gav Scott looked back on how the band has come full circle with the venue.

The four-piece spent their teenage years going to see bands at Parr Hall like Shed Seven and Cast.

Now, years on, they can perform at the venue once again as part of their best spell.

“It was a great venue to watch bands so when we first got the opportunity to play it more than a decade ago we thought what a great opportunity and we have played it ever since,” said Gav.

“If you ask any band no matter what level they will say that it’s just a great place to play. It’s unique and with the Roses connection too, it’s very special for us.

“We have to pinch ourselves, especially when it’s a sold-out gig when the balcony and the floor is full. You think ‘we’re just a tribute band how has this got to a point where we are selling out venues’.

“We are very humble about it and don’t take it for granted – we’re very appreciative of the opportunity we have been given to play the songs of the Roses as they aren’t together at the moment.”

A view froim the crowd of The Clone Roses

Despite The Stone Roses not playing together since 2017, fans still need to get their fix and The Clone Roses can help provide that.

Gav continued: “When they came back in 2012 and did the Parr Hall gig, around that time I remember mixed feelings as it was great that we could see the Roses as we never got to see them in their heyday so as a fan, I was buzzing to see them but on the other hand I wondered how it would affect us.

“We did suffer a little bit as why would people buy a ticket for us if they can buy a ticket for the real thing. We had a difficult time initially but then after that, we found a lot of parents had got their kids into the Roses who then became fans and got youngsters to come to our shows.

“Now we have probably had our best period in the last 10 years with some youngsters too that we hadn’t had previously.

“It’s been brilliant.”

They will be taking to Parr Hall as part of what is being dubbed as ‘the ultimate Manchester night out’ as it involves Oasis and The Smiths tributes too.

Gav, who has been involved in the band for 24 years, added: “This generation of music fans have been told by their parents that these are the bands you should be listening to and you get families coming to gigs and it’s good.

“The music is still so strong and popular after all of these years.

“I think it’s nice to keep the music going for as long as we can by putting these nights on.

“Some of the bands aren’t touring at the moment and might not tour again so the idea that a lot of young people too can have a night out watching tributes is something I don’t think people should be overly precious about.

“It’s a harmless night out that is good fun for a cheap ticket price.”

They will be part of 'the ultimate Manchester night out'

Gav is well aware they aren’t the real Stone Roses and this is one of the tricks to longevity he says.

“There are two key things for longevity. One is working on the show like mimicking the outfits, guitars and the setlists and I’d also say not getting carried away as we have no egos.

“We are just four normal lads who get on really well. We don’t think that we’re rockstars, we just go back to work on the Monday like everyone else and it’s important to keep quite grounded.

“We take it seriously in terms of putting on a good show but we don’t think we are the real band and we know what we are – a tribute band for people who are fans of The Stone Roses, not The Clone Roses.”

Tickets can be found at https://culturewarrington.org/whats-on/the-clone-roses-oas-is-the-smiths-ltd-clint-boon/