THIRTY years on and the punk scene is once again set to explode in Blackburn on December 14 when the Sex Pistols Experience hits town.

The North Bar will be hosting a night to remember with an appearance by the band acknowledged as the world's best Pistols tribute act.

Support comes from Blackburn band 3 Men Gone Mad who, for one night only, will become 3 Men Gone Clash and a big screen is being installed to show vintage footage of some classic punk acts.

In less than five years the Sex Pistols Experience have built up a devoted following on both sides of the Atlantic.

The four members - Johnny Forgotten, Kid Vicious, Steve Clones and Paul Crook - are all dedicated Sex Pistols fans and have created a live show that both looks and sounds like the originals.

"It really started off as a bit of a laugh playing at a mate's 40th birthday party," said drummer Paul.

"It just grew until the stage it's at now, where we have toured the USA and even appeared with Steve Jones on his radio station in LA.

"The Sex Pistols are probably one of the hardest bands to do and from the outset we didn't want to be seen as a joke or be ridiculed.

"Sex Pistols fans are extremely knowledgable and loyal and they would soon let us know if we were doing it wrong - they'd soon have us off stage."

As well as meeting guitarist Steve Jones, the band have also played in front of original bassist Glen Matlock and are hoping drummer Paul Cook will be attending a gig soon.

"When we were in LA John Lydon sent some of his friends to see us and they had a great time," said Paul.

"The fact that the band themselves like us means everything to us."

The Sex Pistols Experience recreate the energy of a Sex Pistols gig.

"Because we're all fans we know what other fans want to see," said Paul.

"I learned to drum listening to the Sex Pistols when I was 11 - we've all had a good grounding.

"So often tribute bands fail to do justice to the original band. With the Sex Pistols you've got to get the sound right.

"It has been said that our show is much more of a theatrical experience than a gig and that's probably true because when we come off stage we are not the four characters from the band.

"We go back to being ourselves.

"When people come along to the North Bar they should just expect the unexpected," said Paul.

"Just come along and enjoy yourselves."

The Sex Pistols Experience, North Bar Blackburn, Thursday, December 14. Tickets, priced £10, are available from Blackburn Record Exchange.