Shed Seven set for "special" homecoming gigs

Paul Banks, Rick Witter and guitarist Tom Gladwin will play two homecoming gigs in York

Britpop stars Shed Seven will take to the stage in York's Museum Gardens later for the first of two homecoming gigs.

The concerts coincide with the York band's 30th anniversary, and singer Rick Witter said they chose the historic abbey location as "everywhere else seemed too obvious".

Witter recalled visiting the gardens as a child, and said performing at the site would be "absolutely incredible".

The Libertines' Pete Doherty, Lottery Winners and the Serotones will also perform on Friday.

Museum Gardens can accommodate up to 4,000 people, and Witter, 51, told the BBC: "We wanted to perform somewhere a bit different.

"I remember being aged 12 bombing around these gardens listening to loud music on our ghetto blasters, disturbing all the OAPs.

"Performing here is a testament to our staying power, and it will be such a special weekend."

He said the last rock act to perform at Museum Gardens was Roxy Music in 1973, as part of the city's 1,900th year celebrations.

Shed Seven's latest album, A Matter of Time, went to number one in January, 30 years after the group's 1994 debut Change Giver.

"It's the year of the Shed", said Witter.

Rick Witter says the gigs are going to be "incredible"

The band originally consisted of Witter on vocals, Joe Johnson on guitar and keyboards, replaced in 1993 by Paul Banks, Tom Gladwin on bass and Alan Leach on drums.

Witter admitted the band still suffered with pre-gig nerves, but insisted the shows would live up to fans' expectations.

He said: "Like a tennis match, we provide the first serve and the crowd volley it back."

Shed Seven will be joined for the Saturday gig by Brooke Combe and Apollo Junction.

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