Strange Bones to host a hip new club night

Strange Bones are drawing together local bands on the brink of big things for a new monthly showcase at the resort’s Bootleg Social bar.

The St Annes trio – Bobby Bentham, brother Will and childhood friend Stuart Newburn – hope to spark a new live scene to make the most of the year-old venue, which has been building its reputation as a musical hot spot.

The first, free Boneyard at Bootleg Social, in Topping Street, will take place on Friday night, headlined by Strange Bones (pictured), with fellow resort act Eye The Bomb, plus Vince Ripper and Ladies’ Darts Night, as well as DJs throughout the night between the live sets.

“We are putting everything we’ve got into it and hopefully it will take off,” Bobby said. “People use the excuse that there’s nothing to do, but with this being a monthly thing, they won’t be able to say that.

“We’ve got the DJs, too, as people want to go and see a band but want a dance as well. We’ve also had interest from national music chain SJM Concerts to help find acts, which came about because we’ve just signed for a booking agency and one of our managers spoke to a contact of his at SJM about the idea.

“It’s an untapped territory as bands from here tend to just make the move to Manchester, but it’s been waiting to happen – and Bootleg is a good venue.”

Other up-and-coming signed bands from the area, including Darlia, with Bobby’s younger brother Jack their drummer, and Boston Manor, are also on board with future dates in the diary, the latter hoping to host their album launch as part of the event.

The venture for Strange Bones comes on the back of a recent trip to LA, where they spent time recording in the Foo Fighters’ studio, after the internationally-loved band’s guitarist Chris Shiflett heard their music and ‘loved it’ – and he’s produced their next single due out later this month.

Their first single drew interest in the UK, receiving air time from the likes of Annie Mac at Radio 1. They’ve also won the attention of HMV, which lists them online as one of their Next Big Things.