A VETERAN of the East Lancs musical scene is back in the area for a one-off gig next month.

And Phil Walsh, known for his work with Russian for Money and NiLSTAR on Traci Records, will be making it a family affair for his date at Sunbird Records in Darwen.

Promoted by The Circus venue in association with Darwen Music Projects, the performance will be the only UK date of the year for Phil, who is now based in Houston, Texas.

The Darwen-born and bred artist has not played in his hometown since 2016 and will be showcasing his album 'Down to the Wire', which has been released by New York indie label Tarbeach Records.

He is also promising some new songs and a few surprises for the September 11 gig.

Phil Walsh Phil Walsh (Image: Submit)

Two of his siblings will be lending a hand - his sister Kate A Walsh, a BBC1 continuity announcer and professional audiobook narrator will be making a contribution.

And Peter Revel-Walsh, an actor, voiceover talent and AI pioneer, has promised some cutting-edge visuals for the night.

Support for the outing comes courtesy of Devil of Lanternwood, a new project featuring Clive Dove, who is one of Phil’s ex bandmates in Russain for Money. Clive will also be guesting on a number of songs with Phil.

Phil said: "I’m excited to be playing in my hometown at Sunbird as the venue is an important Darwen asset for local music, musicians and creative souls in the area.

"To me it’s a natural progression for Darwen that builds on the work done over many years by a lot of people and especially the Darwen Music Collective.

"The town has such a rich musical heritage punching far above its weight. I know from personal experience in the early days the importance of venues willing to take a chance on grass roots original music.

"The recent involvement of the Music Venue Trust is an important endorsement recognising the calibre of this venue that is run on a volunteer basis."

Promoters say it is a free event but contributions to help support Sunbird Records are encouraged "so we can keep this important cultural focal point going".