Clones’ tenth anniversary gig sells out (From St Helens Star)

Clones’ tenth anniversary gig sells out

10:10am Thursday 20th November 2008

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TEN years after they launched their tribute act in the Phoenix, St Helens’ Clone Roses play their birthday gig at a sold-out Citadel on Saturday night – and the evening promises to be something special.

The local lads, who pay musical homage to The Stone Roses, only play their hometown once a year – but they have been playing to big crowds across the country as the affection for the Madchester scene shows no sign of abating.

But despite building a big following on the music circuit and playing some quite impressive venues – 29-year-old lead singer Gav Scott puts all their success down to the music of the band they imitate.

Gav said: “The reason we have stayed together so long is that we understand that it is the Roses music and have not let this go to our heads.

“Although we are playing in front of big audiences, it is straight back down to earth the day after.

“I work full time at the Citadel as the operations manager – and we did a gig there a few years ago and afterwards the rubbish bins were packed with ale cans.

When I got into work on Monday some tramp had gone through them all to drink every last dreg – so I had to brush up all our fans’ cans. So if that can’t bring you down to earth, nothing else can.”

Already this year they have played in front sell-out crowds in Burnley and Manchester, the latter attracting 900 strong audience. Next year a deal will see them play the prestigious Academies in Liverpool, Newcastle, Glasgow, London and Sheffield.

Musically the Clones’ act has remained unchanged in the ten years they have been together - largely because of the material they have to draw upon - with the same 15 classic Stone Roses tunes being delivered to an expectant following.

Gav said: “We like to think that those tracks are what most Roses fans would choose anyway. In terms of the show itself punters want to see the money t-shirt, the Rickenbacker, the Jackson Pollock bass, the drummer with the hat on and Brazil shirt.”

Bass player Mike Bagshaw agreed, adding: “We play towns once a year and the people who come want the same show. They know what they are going to get.”

The band do look forward to their homecoming gig and have a few little surprises lined up for this Saturday night.

“Manchester and St Helens are the two gigs we get nervous for. Obviously St Helens because it is our home town, Manchester because that is the home of the Roses music. It is really humbling – you play at the Manchester Academy and there are touts outside selling tickets for £40 because the Roses are so big there. We are four lads who are working in the week and we are turning up at a gig where there are touts.

“We’ve enjoyed every minute of this past ten years and would like to thank those who follow us.

“We know they are not really our fans – they are Stone Roses fans – but we’ll keep doing it as long as people want us to keep doing it.

“We thought we’d have finished by now, but once people stop coming to see us we will stop doing it.”

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