THE independent spirit of rock 'n' roll is set to be unleashed in Blackburn tonight when three visionary rock bands join forces on a special bill.

The show at King George's Hall, Windsor Suite, features The Alarm 2000, The Mighty Wah! and Spear of Destiny.

Billed at the Resistance tour, the idea of the three full bands working together was born out of last year's acoustic Dead Men Walking tour.

Pete Wylie, who provided the original inspiration for the tour, said: "I've always liked challenging ideas, it's something I've done from day one. The music industry these days gives people less and less freedom. The Resistance is all about making it happen for yourself."

Alarm frontman Mike Peters added: "It's the idea of fighting back against hollow ideals and the fantasy notion of the fame that we're force-fed through TV and magazines. The Resistance is about believing in what you do, holding fast to the values we've adhered to all our musical lives. It's anti fashion, it's about empowering the audience with the raw passion of rock 'n' roll.

With Blackburn's Alan Parker compering most of the 33 date tour, the Punk historian has already witnessed some explosive shows.

Alan said: "It's a fantastic, mad night. They've all been rammed full and there are loads of surprises."

And despite having introduced the stars across the country, Alan admits he's been feeling the nerves ahead of tonight's performance.

He said: "It's always nice to come back to Blackburn and see old friends. I know it's going to be a whistle stop visit, arriving at lunch time and back on the road by 10 am Saturday but it's a brilliant show and I'll be honest, I can't wait."

Tickets are still available from King George's Hall priced £14