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MUSIC: The Courteeners, The Apollo, Thursday & Friday, Oct 9/10

David Sue
8/10/2008

IF YOU'RE a new band seeking publicity, it always helps to have a few famous friends on your side – just ask The Courteeners.

The Manchester indie rock four-piece – who hail from Middleton – have become renowned for their numerous celebrity endorsements.

They’re namechecked in episodes of Coronation Street, former Smiths singer Morrissey turns up to their concerts, and even U2 frontman Bono has been heard to exclaim: "The Courteeners are the best new band I’ve seen in 10 years".

It’s an impressive list of famous fans, but The Courteeners’ most important fanbase is one that’s much closer to home – here in Manchester.

Since they emerged just over a year ago, The Courteeners have firmly appointed themselves the saviours of Manchester rock’n’roll – a true ‘band for the people’.

Certainly, not since Oasis has a Manchester band worn their regional identity on their sleeves quite like The Courteeners.

Singer Liam Fray is like a younger, even more confident Liam Gallagher, and his band deliver sharp, witty indie-rock in the style of The Smiths and James.

The Courteeners have firmly proven that there’s always room for another bunch of cocky Manc guitar heroes.

Their debut album Saint Jude went top ten back in June, and this week, the band play two massively anticipated sold-out concerts at the Apollo, gigs which will surely cement their status as new Manchester rock gods.