Space Monkeys are set to return to the stage for a one-off gig at Band On The Wall on Valentines Day in celebration of their 30th anniversary. The iconic band, who were the last ever to sign to the legendary Factory Records, will be joined by very special guests Blitz Vega for what promises to be an emotionally charged and unforgettable evening of music.
The band, hailing from Middleton, singed to Factory Too, gained a cult following in the 1990s, were the last to join Tony Wilson’s pioneering label which of course was behind some of the city’s most influential bands.
Founding members Richard McNevin Duff and Tony Pipes will be joining me on my Indie Brunch for Louder Than War Radio on Saturday 8th February for a chat, ahead of the gig. As well as playing a few of their own tracks they have selected several who have influenced their sound and careers.
My own introduction to the band was through Tony, I’d been doing an interview with him at the office on Little Peter Street and he was raving about his new signings. It was around the time they played with Northern Uproar who had a month-long residency at The Roadhouse. My memory of the night is that it was bloody hot (mid-September) and both bands were excellent.
I still think that the band’s debut album, The Daddy Of The All, is great, and hidden amongst the ‘hits’ is an absolute gem in Sweetest Dream. A few years ago I asked Richard why the excellent ‘hidden’ track Awaiting Mr Crow appears such an infuriatingly long time following the final proper track. I’ll be asking him as there is a great story behind it, and I’ll be trying not to geek out too much about Tony’s (fairly) ‘recent’ work on my favourite TV show.
Joining Space Monkeys at Band On The Wall are Blitz Vega, the band formed by Kav Sandhu and the late Andy Rourke, former bassist of The Smiths. Blitz Vega have captured the attention of music lovers worldwide with their unique sound, and this performance will be especially poignant following Rourke’s sad passing in 2023.
Doors at Band On The Wall open at 7:00pm, with the show wrapping up by 10:00pm, ensuring an early night for those of us who now find ourselves in our 50’s and beyond, but plenty of time to enjoy the music and the energy of these two fantastic acts. For those with the energy, the night continues with a free after-show party at Definitely Maybe Bar in Afflecks, Manchester. Featuring a live DJ set by Tony Pipes, the party will carry on the night’s celebrations in true Mancunian style from 10pm – 2am.
Tickets are selling quickly for this event, as the legacy of both bands lives on in the hearts of Manchester’s music lovers. Get yours here.
All words by Iain Key. See his author profile here or find him on Bluesky
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