FORMER major-label punks The Stiffs haven't played together in public for 14 years.

Next Saturday the four-piece, originally from Blackburn and Clayton-le-Moors, are set to take the stage in Blackburn at a one-off reunion gig.

The four-piece, comprising Phil, guitarist Ian Barnes, bassist John McVittie and drummer Tom O'Kane, signed to EMI in 1979 but no album was released - until April this year when a compilation of singles and unreleased material was put together.

With a sellout gig looking highly probable, singer Phil Hendriks explained why the ex-EMI Records band still believe they can cut it.

Speaking from his home in Lincolnshire, Phil said: "We played together at a private party last Christmas and some people said we sounded better than he had 15 years ago. We've all been in bands since we broke up and we've been playing 15 years longer, so it ought to sound better."

Phil is philosophical about the band's musical career, which despite gaining them an awesome live reputation, do not bring fame or fortune in any great measure.

"You have to have a hit record to crack the music business. It was very exciting being signed to a major record company, but it's not enough just to have a record out - you need somebody to play it on the radio and you need people to buy it. "We probably formed a year too late for the initial punk explosion. But then we weren't strictly punks, we had glam rock influences too - we had more in common with Slade than bands like Crass! Then the whole futuristic thing came along and guitar bands went out of the window."

But the highlights of The Stiffs' career will forever stay with all four members. For Phil, playing The Lyceum in London with UK Subs was the best moment, alongside the excitement of hearing his band's record on the radio for the first time.

The reunion gig is set to take place at Cob Wall Working Men's Club, Daisyfield, Blackburn, on Saturday, July 31, with support from present-day Blackburn punks Boredom UK. Tickets cost £4 on the door, and the bar is set to run until midnight. Doors open at 8pm but early arrival is recommended.

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