CityLife

Versus Cancer patrons named

NEW ORDER bassist Peter Hook and Embrace frontman Danny McNamara have been announced as patrons of Versus Cancer ahead of their forthcoming charity concert at the M.E.N. Arena in February.

On the patronage, Hook said: "It's great for me to be involved with the charity in an official capacity - everyone has known someone who has been affected by the disease, and Versus Cancer is a great way of harnessing the region's musical heritage to raise money to help the people of the North West."

On performing at previous events, he added: "I've played both the previous Versus Cancer concerts up to now, both with New Order playing the old Joy Division tracks, and last year taking part in collaborations which are what the concerts are famous for - I'm really looking forward to getting up on stage again this year."

McNamara added: "You only have to meet the people behind Versus Cancer and hear what they have to say for 20 minutes to feel like stopping whatever you are doing and devoting yourself to them and their cause.

"It's all about awareness. No one likes to talk about cancer because it's too close to home for most, but talking about it and checking yourself out can really save lives. Anyone who's seen someone hours away from death knows how powerless you feel to do anything. Well now's the time to stand in line."

Sponsors

In addition, JD Sports has been named as official sponsors of this year's concert. The Manchester-based retailer has strong musical connections and has offered its support to the charity to ensure as much money as possible goes towards fighting cancer.

IN other Versus Cancer related news, the Embrace singer's club night, The Aftershow, has - appropriately - bagged the official Aftershow party.

Following the re-launch of The Aftershow at Moho earlier this month, the venue will welcome the public into Versus Cancer's post-gig bash for the first time on February 23.

The night will also mark Brummie Britpop outfit Dodgy's first gig together in the original line-up in 10 years, plus sets from Boy Kill Boy, Example and The Paddingtons, with more acts and some very special guests to be announced in the coming weeks.

On the news, Andy Rourke, one of the organisers of Versus Cancer said: "We're really excited to have The Aftershow on board and are massively grateful to Danny for organising such a huge after show party for us."

Versus Cancer is at the M.E.N. Arena on Saturday, February 23 and includes performances from The Fratellis, Happy Mondays, Inspiral Carpets and Fun Lovin' Criminals. Tickets are priced at £40 and are available from Ticketmaster, See Tickets and Ticketline. For more information visit www.versuscancer.org . Tickets for The Aftershow are £5 in advance and if there's any space it will be £8 on the door on the night, with proceeds going towards fighting cancer.