ONE of the hottest bands around - Blackbud - will be playing Blackburn tonight, one a limited number of intimate UK gigs before the release of their new album.

The West Country trio, who have played with the likes of chart-toppers the Kaiser Chiefs, The Bees and Babyshambles, have been snapped up by leading record label Independiente.

Also on the bill for the gig at the North Bar are hit band Dodgy's frontman Nigel Clark and one of East Lancashire's most promising bands Outsider.

Tickets are available from the North Bar or from the website below.