Happy Mondays + The Bluetones to play Derby Arena

Mon 18 Jul 2016

We're excited to announce a unique one off gig to take place at Derby Arena this autumn, in partnership with SB5.  The alternative rock band the Happy Mondays and indie band The Bluetones will be performing at a special concert at Derby Arena on Saturday 15 October as part of Derby County Football Club’s former Captain Shaun Barker’s testimonial year.

This gig brings together two giants of English alternative and indie rock together to perform on the same night. Tickets go on sale on Monday 18 July at 10am from derbylive.co.uk, derbyarena.co.uk or from the Sales and Information Centre on the market place in person or on 01332 255800.

Legendary 80s band Happy Mondays known for their own blend of alternative rock, psychedelic rock and electronic dance music will return to the stage again following their 2015 tour.

Iconic band The Bluetones are known for their chart topping studio album Expecting to Fly and numerous hit singles that included Slight Return.

Cllr Martin Rawson Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities and City Centre Regeneration, said:

“It’s fantastic to announce another great gig for Derby Arena. We are delighted to work with one of Derby’s living legends Shaun Barker to bring two brilliant acts in the Happy Monday and The Bluetones to Derby.”

Iconic 80s band Happy Mondays return with this special Derby gig after an extensive tour in 2015 which celebrated their 25th anniversary of the release of their album Pills ’n’ Thrills and Bellyaches. Happy Mondays have been playing festivals throughout 2016, alongside writing and recording a new album.

The band, which was formed in 1980 in Salford, Greater Manchester released their first official release the Forty Five EP on Factory Records in September 1985. Their first album Squirrel and G-Man Twenty Four Hour Party People Plastic Face Carnt Smile was released in 1988. This was followed by two classic albums, Bummed in 1988 and Pills ’n’ Thrills and Bellyaches in 1990 which went platinum in the UK selling more than 350,000 copies.

The series of hit successes put the band firmly on the map as one of the most influential bands to come out of the UK in the early 1990s. Happy Monday’s current line-up includes Shaun Ryder - vocals, Mark Day - guitar, Paul Ryder - bass, Gary Whelan - drums, Mark Berry – Percussion, Rowetta - vocals and Dan Broad - keyboardist and musical director.

The Bluetones rose to fame in the 1990s and are now back celebrating their 20th anniversary. The London four-piece are credited with filling the gap that The Stone Roses left behind, providing graceful but muscular guitar pop with slightly psychedelic overtones.

Formed in Hounslow in 1994, the group consisted of guitarist Adam Devlin, drummer Eds Chester, vocalist Mark Morriss and his brother Scott, who played bass. After a split in 2011, the band announced they would reform in 2015 and the original quartet are back in business, with a show sure to create new memories of a fantastic gig as the bands blast out hit after hit.

SB5 is the testimonial year for former DCFC player and captain Shaun Barker who suffered a horrific injury against local rivals Nottingham Forest in 2012. He never managed to play another first team game for The Rams, but was awarded the testimonial for his contribution both on and off the pitch.

The SB5 testimonial committee are holding 5 events over 12 months, and have already staged have been a Q&A, a Testimonial game at the Ipro stadium and a children's 5aside football tournament.

On the announcement Shaun Barker, said:

“When my testimonial year was granted, I had an initial meeting with the committee to determine what events I'd been keen to hold over the 12 months.

 

Two events stood higher in priority in my eyes, a game to be played at the Ipro stadium to say farewell to the DCFC fans that have stood by me, as well as a gig to celebrate my love of music.

 

Following a meeting with Derby LIVE, I was delighted that we decided to collaborate and put on the first major music event at Derby’s new, impressive Arena. For that gig to be Happy Mondays + The Bluetones with special guests still to be announced is so exciting for me, it will be a great gig for me and I hope, the people of Derby.  

I can't thank everyone enough for their help and support bringing such an amazing line up to the city.”

Happy Mondays + The Bluetones with special guests will take place at Derby Arena on Saturday 15 October. Doors will open at 6.30pm and tickets are priced at £35. Tickets will go on sale on Monday 18 July at 10am and can be purchased through the Sales and Information Centre on 01332 255800 or online at derbylive.co.uk or derbyarena.co.uk. They can also be purchased in person at the Sales and Information Centre, Assembly Rooms, Market Place, Derby, DE1 3AH. Tickets are restricted to those aged 14+. Parking at the Arena car park will be charged at £5 per car.