FORMER front man of The Seahorses, Chris Helme, will be performing with his new band ‘The They, Them & Those’ at The Lion Inn, Blakey Ridge on Thursday, February 8.

Chris, who first rose to prominence as the front man of John Squire’s post-Stone Roses band ‘The Seahorses’ released his debut solo album in 2012. Although rightfully remembered for the anthemic Britpop classics “Love Is The Law” and “Blinded By The Sun” - songs that evoked everything the 90’s stood for, from the opening track of The Rookery, the man instantly appeared cut from an entirely different cloth.

Chris has an enviable back catalogue, bolstered further by his acclaimed works with ‘The Yards’, but it was The Rookery’s knack for melody and imaginative, intricate, three-way guitar interplay that brought each track to such lush, blossoming, climaxes. Add to this Helme’s keen ear for arranging, combined with his beguiling voice, and the brooding string passages resonate even more deeply.

A Blakey crowd favourite since his early post-Seahorses solo days this event will see Chris return to the remote little venue for the first time in over 12 years.

Opening the evening’s entertainment is the talent of Gina Dootson. John Lydon once sang “anger is energy” and Gina knows how to harness the power of anger. The unique singer-songwriter writes and performs music that is full-on passionate, meaningful, kick-ass, but then again gentle and heart-wrenching.

Her evocative songs, together with her powerful voice and skilful guitar style, are sure to enrapture even the coldest of hearts. She swipes at the strings of her guitar with an aggressive strumming style while tearing into the subject matter of her lyrics.

Gina has attitude, the kind of attitude that has rewarded her tours in Europe and coveted support appearances with the likes of Eddi Reader, Roy Harper, T’Pau, Runrig, Toyah Wilcox, Nick Harper and in recent years she’s been the vocalist of choice for global trance legends The Thrillseekers.

Tickets are available from The Lion Inn - £15 (no booking fee)

Online at See Tickets - £15 + £1.50 booking fee - www.seetickets.com/event/chris-helme-full-band-gina-dootson/the-lion-inn/1187786

For more information go to Blakey Music Facebook page, www.lionblakey.co.uk or email info@lionblakey.co.uk