HOTLY-tipped Blackburn melody makers Tompaulin will go out live on radio when they play in Manchester tonight.

The band, who are trying to stress their Blackburn roots despite being labelled a Manchester band by the national music press, play at Manchester Roadhouse.

The six-piece, four of whom are from Blackburn, will have their gig broadcast live on Manchester-based Radio Space 106.2FM. The radio programme, which includes the support acts, begins at 8pm.

Tompaulin have been billed as the "most-hyped contenders to the music papers' throne" and are said to have caused a frenzy among A and R men. The debut single Ballad Of The Bootboys/Wedding Song has received play on several Radio One shows.

The Blackburn members of the band are guitarist and keyboard player Jamie Holman, keyboard player Lee Davies, bassist Ciaran Melia and singer Stacey McKenna.

The line-up is completed by Tap on lead guitar, drummer Amos Menon and new recruit Katie G, all from London.

The band's second single Slender will be released simultaneously by two record labels soon.

Preston-based Action Records will put out the song on CD, while London's Earworm Records will release the single on seven-inch vinyl.

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