Inspiral Carpets

Perhaps they’re best remembered now for being the band that kind of gave Noel Gallagher his break in music - he toured the world with them as a roadie in the years leading up to the formation of Oasis - but there’s plenty else to be noted about Inspiral Carpets, even if it’s just that they’re one of the few bands to have had their keyboard player be their de facto frontman. With the band’s singer changing several times down the years, Clint Boon served as their official mouthpiece; coining the phrase ‘cool as fuck’ that appeared on their iconic t-shirts through their late-eighties, early-nineties heyday, he came to embody the swagger that was the epitome of the Inspirals sound. After reforming in 2003 with Tom Hingley on vocals, the band have since settled their differences with original singer Stephen Holt, who is now very much in the fold. They tour from time to time, retaining a cult fanbase in the UK - especially in their native Manchester - and play hit-heavy sets that include the likes of ‘This Is How It Feels’ and ‘Dragging Me Down’. Expect new dates soon, with Inspiral Carpets - their first new album in twenty years - slated for a September release.

This was my 2nd time catching Trampolene and wow, what a night! All 3 support bands were superb warming up the atmosphere nicely for Trampolene. Spoke with Jack Jones in the bar beforehand and managed to grab a photo with him. What a great bloke! Was down the front for the entire Trampolene performance and I've got to say it was the best gig I've been to in a long while. These boys are going places. An energy packed set complete with Jack crowd-surfing while still managing to play guitar. Alcohol Kiss and Storm Heaven are absolute bangers. Loved every minute. Can't wait till the next time!