CityLife

Greg beats rain with a solo stint

NEWS of solo gigs is surely a signal of ambition from any band member, but for Greg Griffin, frontman of Noel Gallagher's protégé band, Proud Mary, it's a chance to stave off those Manchester blues.

Greg is based in the city, while bandmate, Paul Newsome, is recording material for the band's planned third album in LA.

His solo gigs start tonight (April 15) and he plays the Roadhouse, Manchester, on Monday night (April 18).

"I'm doing some solo stuff because I don't want to be sat in on a rainy day in Manchester. It's not the most inspiring sight in the world," he laughs.

Audiences can expect a mix of Proud Mary tunes, some of Greg's new solo material as well as a variety of cover versions. And the solo experience might even mean a bit of rock and roll behaviour.

"When we went out on our first tour, everyone had girlfriends and, after a few drinks, everyone would say they were a bit tired and go off to bed," he tells me.

"I've not been out with my band for this tour, so maybe now is the time for the debauchery to come."