WILL 2006 be the year of Outsider? The highly-regarded Blackburn band are hoping that the next few months will see them develop to the next level, having already attracted a great deal of attention from the music industry.

The four-piece will be playing a homecoming gig at Uncle Jack's in Lower Darwen on Sunday which will give the loyal local fan base a chance to see the band's new line-up.

Joining Danny Jones, lead guitar and vocals, Graham Slater, drums and bassist Marcus Chadwick is Lee Brotherston on guitar and keyboards. The band have been touring the country over the past few months promoting their EP Understanding. They are now writing tracks for their debut album and a single is planned.

The highlight of 2005 for Outsider was a session on Radio 2 with Janice Long, which was widely regarded as one of the best live sets of the year. They also got on the playlist for Xfm

As well as the Uncle Jack's date, the band are lining up a number of showcase gigs, including one on March 16 at Jabez Clegg in Manchester, which a number of leading record company figures are expected to attend.

A coach will take fans from Blackburn and anyone wanting to reserve a place can email marcus.chadwick@gmail.com