FOLLOWING in the footsteps of musicians including Bob Dylan, Paul Simon and Cat Stevens, St Helens band Stillia rocked the Spice of Life pub in London at the weekend.

The talented foursome from Sutton were on the bill at one of London's prominent venues for up and coming acts from across the UK.

Stillia frontman Jack Bennett told the Star:"It was a top night and we met a lot of people. A lot came down to see us. The reception we had was amazing even from those who had never seen us before.

"And I can't describe the feeling of singing our songs for them. This is a top event and we were putting our tunes out there to people. It was a good place to showcase our music. After the gig a lot of people came up to us saying they liked what they heard.

"When we finished a guy from Detroit who had bought a bottle of expensive champagne sprayed it all over us and the equipment. It was one of the best gigs we have played."

Jack admitted to a slight feeling of nervousness as the band were showcasing a new set of songs following a break in touring: "It was a risk because it was new stuff. But it went really well. This was our first gig to test the new tunes."

One fan who missed out on the gig was Johnny Vegas who has a base in London. He Tweeted: "If it weren't for my gastric bug & fractured foot I'd be taking @MaiaDunphy to see @StilliaOfficial at @SpiceOfLifeSoho tonight."

Leaving the bright lights of the big city behind for now the boys are back on their own turf this weekend and are due to perform in Liverpool.

And this summer they will be playing at a number of festivals up and down the country.

"We have always been busy gigging," added Jack. "All the lads will tell you playing in front of 500 people singing cover songs like 'Don't Look Back in Anger' is different from playing your own songs in front of 500 people expecting them to turn around and say 'that's alright'."