Punk revival

The Burnley band, who haven't appeared together since 1982, have been invited to play on the opening night of the Holidays In The Sun festival at Blackpool's Winter Gardens on Friday.

The five-piece topped the Indie charts in the early '80s with songs such as Margaret Thatcher and the Telephone Rings Again. The line-up will consist of four of the original five members - Haggis, Gary Brown, Roger C and Kev Hemmingway - plus guitarist Scott Wilkinson, who is on loan from the Nelson band Walter Mitty's Head. Stephen Hartley - or Sage, as he is known - is the only member who will not appear as he is busy with studies and with his own band . . . Sage.

Keyboard player Roger C says the group - now all in their '30s - were approached to play the gig a couple of months ago.

He said: "The promoter of the Holidays In The Sun festival remembered us from the early '80s.

"Although our music wasn't hardcore punk, we were influenced by what was going on at the time.

"We reacted when people said how easy it was to play punk and that all you needed was a guitar. In fact, we were probably some of the youngest people involved."

Most of the band are still involved in music in some way but have all found jobs outside the industry.

They formed when they were all living in the Burnley area.

Of the reunion, Roger said: "The hardest part has been getting everyone together to practise.

"We plan to perform all the classics and the songs that people will remember, even though we personally feel some of the other stuff we have on tape is better than the records. "Sadly, Sage says he is to busy to get involved but if he wants to come along with a guitar on the day there is an open invitation for him to play with us.

"Our manager, Simon Lanzon, will also be there."

The Not Sensibles supported The Clash at King George's Hall and also backed U2, Hazel O'Connor's Megahype, League Of Gentlemen and Young Marble Giants.

During their heyday they enjoyed several television appearances, including one at the Futurama Rock Festival in Leeds.

The group, who also did several Peel sessions, were once banned from the Electric Ballroom in Camden after a foam battle in one of the dressing rooms.

However, Roger says the band were not one of the "spit and safety pin" acts currently enjoying a revival.

He said: "I'm undecided about the punk revival. I think bands have got to be careful about making fools of themselves. We are still one of the youngest on the bill.

"Punk was about a youthful sort of energy.

"This will be a one-off for The Not Sensibles."

The three-day festival is expected to be a sell-out and features bands such as Theatre of Hate/Spear of Destiny, The Damned and The Buzzcocks.

Also among the 50 groups making appearances on two stages will be X-Ray Spex, performing their first gig for five years.

The event will also feature several overseas performers.

The organisers intend to record the proceedings for a live CD and video and there will be a CD and record fair and trade stands.

Weekend tickets cost £49 and day tickets start at £15.

For more information ring the hotline on 01568 613223.

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