Manchester comedy legend Frank Sidebottom is on the road this summer and autumn.
Frank, who began his career in the early eighties. has produced a new animated film and accompanying album. He will be touring around the country (mostly the North West) to promote these magical gifts, or more precisely to celebrate the joyous occasion of new Sidebottom material! You lucky, lucky people.
Frank was first thrust into the public conscious via a ZX Spectrum computer game entitled The Biz where sometime hanger-on Chris Sievey interviewed him. The interview was released on 12" vinyl and Frank had caught the showbiz bug.
Frank recorded a version of The Sex Pistols Anarchy in the UK, which greatly improved on the original, with just himself and Casio keyboard accompaniment. He sent the demo to every major record label along with a note that read, "Dear X, I'm thinking of getting into show business. Do you have any pamphlets?" Of course EMI were first to snap him up, they soon released Frank's first EP titled Frank's Firm Favourites. It included legendary versions of Bohemian Rhapsody and Radio Ga Ga. It charted at 90 and EMI dropped him.
But Frank was already heading for the dizzying heights of a support slot at England's premiere Wembley Stadium opening for none other than Bros! Soon followed by a show with celebrity child molester Gary Glitter. Frank managed to steal the show supporting Glitter by hijacking the stage pyrotechnics and then making a daring escape from the security.
From there on Frank went from strength to strength, the release of the truly fantastic Oh Supermum EP being one of pops greatest moments. He kick started the careers of Mark & Lard (erstwhile Radio1 DJ's), Chris Evans (former driver, now ginger tosser), John Shuttleworth and tragically Mrs Merton. Frank gained critical and commercial success with his TV and Radio shows, his football team The Timperley Big Shorts and with the help of Ian Brown and Shaun Ryder created the Madchester music scene.
As Madchester receded, due to Ryder's lack of talent, so too did Frank's popularity. I was personally lucky enough to catch a Frank Sidebottom show way back in '96, and I've still got Little Frank's body to prove it! I've never seen such a wonderful display of utter chaos it was truly remarkable. And now I have the chance to see the Old Master perform again I'll be hoping to go to more than just one show, the tour dates are as follows:
August
4th Southport Floral Hall - Southport 01744 756000
19th Theatre Royal - St Helens 01744 7560000
25th Victory Park S/C - Chorley 01257 257662
27th Albert Halls - Bolton 01204 3334400
September
2nd Thornton L/ Theatre - Thornton 01253 771141
30th Tameside Hippodrome - Ashton 0870 6021175
15th The Lowry Quay Theatre - Salford Quays, Manchester 0161 876 2000
October
4th Gillibrand Arms -Chorley 01257 234697
5th Burnley Mechanics - Burnley 01282 664411
6th Bury Arts Centre - Bury 0161 761 2216
21st Grand Theatre - Lancaster 01524 64695
27th Parr Hall (Pyramid Room) - Warrington 01925 442345
November
25th Darwen Theatre Darwen Lancs 01254 706006
December
3rd The Witchwood - Ashton-U-Lyne 0161 832 1111
You know they are, they really are
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