With video: Burnley rockers join Movember campaign in support of bassist (From This Is Lancashire)

With video: Burnley rockers join Movember campaign in support of bassist

12:00pm Friday 2nd November 2012 in News By Peter Magill, Chief reporter

MEMBERS of a rock band who have rubbed shoulders with legends AC/DC and The Scorpions are showing their sensitive side as their bassist recovers from testicular cancer.

Bandmates in Burnley-based Exit State have rallied round in support of Phil Ireland as he recuperates from the condition.

Lead singer Roy Bright, lead guitarist Matt Harris and drummer Peat Hicks are taking part in the ‘Movember’ fundraising for men’s health charities.

Each will be growing a moustache for 30 days to raise awareness of prostate and testicular cancers.

Roy said: “Phil is currently recuperating from testicular cancer and people will be pleased to know that everything has run smoothly and he is recovering well.

“This has brought home to our family the effect cancer can have upon your life and just how common some varieties can be.”

The frontman lost his own father to lung cancer in 1997 and the four-piece has set up a band fundraising website at www.movember.com/team/680837 Elsewhere, the Kerrang TV favourites, fresh from dates with ex-Scorpions and UFO legend Michael Schenker, have also announced a seven-date tour in December, which will kick off at the Sanctuary Rock Bar, in Cow Lane, Burnley, on December 1.

And Exit State will be returning to the studio in January to record the follow-up to their 2011 effort Black Vein, which is scheduled for a May release through Rocksector Records.

After successful link-ups on previous songs, more promos are planned with screen partners Video Ink.

• One of the band's videos