Biography

Liam Fray was known around the North West prior to the formation of The Courteeners as one of Manchester's most promising and popular songwriters. Having tired of being unable to make the big sound that he yearned for on his own, he recruited fellow Middleton dwellers, Campbell (drums), Cupello (bass) and Conan (guitar). All known to each other since school days, (Campbell lived next door but one), the transition from solo singer to band was a short and seemingly pre-ordained transition. Early shows at D-Percussion and around the Manchester area saw the band build a fanatical local following in a very short space of time and their shows soon became must attend events in the city.

When the 500 capacity Academy 3 show sold out in July prior to the band signing a record deal or even releasing a note it was clear that they were on the verge of something very special. Tickets for their Academy 2 show (1000) in October sold out as they went on sale. The Courteeners made their first appearance in London in August, playing to another sold out room that saw the mania of their Northern shows translated into a Southern context. That gig saw the music industry fall for the band and 'Cavorting' became an NME single of the week whilst mentions in the tabloids and plays on Radio One only served to increase the sense that something important was happening.

Whilst the band now find themselves tagged as potential next big things by the likes of Radio One and NME, The Courteeners are preparing to record their debut album following their current tour dates which include supports with The Coral through October alongside that very special Manchester Academy 2 sold out show.

• www.myspace.com/thecourteeners

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