A SINGER-songwriter from Edenfield will play as a support act to Elbow at a warm-up show for their huge UK tour.

Joseph Lofthouse, of Bond Street, will precede the Bury band at the O2 Academy in Newcastle on Monday night.

He was spotted by Elbow guitarist Mark Potter spotted at an open-mic night at The First Chop in Ramsbottom.

The guitarist was so impressed that he offered Joseph the chance to play at their concert in Newcastle, which is a sell-out and has a capacity of more than 2,000.

Joseph said: “He really seemed to like the Ramsbottom open night and the week after I was given his contact details. It is unbelievable. I was completely blown away. I am so lucky to get the opportunity, but now I am quite nervous about the gig.”

Joseph, aged 23, says the closest he has ever come to a performance of this size was at the Glastonbudget music festival in Leicestershire, when he played to a crowd of about 500.

He is currently splitting his time between Edenfield and London, playing at a number of open-mic nights and different venues.

And to prepare for his big night, Joseph is playing a warm-up gig of his own, at The First Chop tonight at 9pm.

Joseph added: “I have always been in bands growing up, playing different instruments such as bass and keys, but I picked up the guitar when I was 15 or 16, and started out doing solo stuff from there when I was 19.”

He cut his teeth as a solo artist around venues in Leicester, while studying music technology and innovation at De Montfort University.

Joseph has recorded a four track EP, which he hopes to release in the coming months. Elbow are due to start their UK tour in Birmingham on April 5, and will perform at the Phones 4U Arena in Manchester on April 9.

Admission to the First Chop in Bolton Street is free.

For more information about Joseph visit josephlofthouse.co.uk