FORMER major-label punks The Stiffs are set to play their first gig together for 14 years when they headline a reunion show in East Lancashire next month.

The band, from Blackburn and Clayton-le-Moors, signed to EMI in 1979 but did not release an album until earlier this year when a compilation of singles and unreleased material was put together.

The 1977 line-up of singer Phil Hendriks, guitarist Ian Barnes, bassist John McVittie and drummer Tom O'Kane are set to play together in public for the first time since 1985.

The four-piece released six singles and a John Peel session before quitting their EMI deal in 1981.

They established an awesome live reputation and their early days were spent in venues including The Castle in Blackburn and the Lodestar at Clayton-le-Dale.

They split later that year but played a one-off reunion show in 1985 and later toured Europe with various different line-ups until 1988. Now drummer Tom is a firefighter based in Accrington, while John is a council officer at Blackburn Town Hall. Ian, a graphic designer, and Phil, who plays in a duo with his wife, both live in London.

The band re-formed for an unrehearsed set at a private party last Christmas and the success of that performance has helped bring the reunion gig about. The reunion gig is set to take place at Cob Wall Working Men's Club, Daisyfield, Blackburn, on Saturday, July 31.

Video screens with old punk footage should be in place on the night to add to the atmosphere, and the gig is set to be recorded for a live album.

Tickets will cost £4 on the door and arrangements for advance ticket sales are yet to be finalised.

Present-day Blackburn punks Boredom UK are set to provide support in what could be their only East Lancashire gig this year. Boredom, signed to Abstract Records, have a European tour to look forward to.

They also look set to play bigger venues around Britain as they aim to spread their wings.

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