THE New Year has seen a triumphant return to form for St Helens Musicians Collective, with the first gig of 2005 selling out in record time.

The event at The Citadel this Friday 21 January features live performances from collective regulars Tom Twostix, Lazarus, Hundred Story High and Skecher. Around thirty bands are currently involved with the group but Alistair Aspinall, Chairman of the Collective is still keen to welcome new members on board.

He said, "The Musicians Collective is great for people who want to start a band, gain some performance experience and studio time, or just meet other musicians. A lot of bands have met and formed through us and as membership is not limited to St Helens, many people travel over from places like Wigan. It doesn't matter what style of music you are into, or if you are a solo artist or in a band- if you want to play at a Collective gig then get down to one of our meetings."

Originating in the early 1980s when events were held in various pubs around town, the Collective soon went on to boast one of the biggest memberships in the country, at one point even including Huyton based band The La's before they made it big.

Alistair first became involved with St Helens Musicians Collective in 1990 and has since worked with local legends including Mechagodzilla, Genghis Grimes, The Volunteers, Mazey Fade, Kratchett Family, Gnarl, Poisoned Electric Head, Thee I Spit On Your Graves and Kiss The Prezident.

All the bands and artists involved with The Collective are keen to praise the work done by organisers Alistair, Tom Twostix and Tim Aigoro. Paul Jackson, lead singer with Lazarus who launch their debut album 'Sometimes Things Just Happen' at Friday's event, said; "If this gig is anything like the last one it's going to be one of the most memorable gigs we've ever played, and all of the band are itching to play our hometown to a capacity crowd."

Emma Longworth, lead singer in Hundred Story High, added "This will be the fifth showcase for us. If it wasn't for the Collective then we wouldn't get to play in St Helens."

New members of any age are welcome to join, although public admission to events is restricted to over 18s only. The team are soon to take over the running of The Citadel's under 18s band night 'Overload', providing a dry bar and safe environment for those not old enough to get into the Collective gigs.

For more information on the St Helens Musicians Collective, please log on to the website www.sthelensmusic.co.uk or telephone The Citadel on 01744 735436.