News Page

Now that the band are back together, we figured we ought to open up a new news page as well...

*** Feb 13, 2004 - New Tom Hingley & Lovers tour dates for you today. Their new album is *still* about to be finished and will be released in May. Watch this space for an exclusive interview with Tom soon, and in the meantime, check out the Lovers homepage for MP3 teasers and a new message board.
And Daz, where are ya? Both your email addresses are dead, I've not been able to reach you on ICQ...what's going on? Are you alright? - Jan

*** Jan 02, 2004 - About time for another update! We have been receiving a few emails inquiring about whether our site might be closed...no, we're not...we've just been lazy lately...so happy MOO year! Here's a little rundown on the end of the year of the cow - 2003 - and what's to come in '04:

*** Sep 24 - Ah well it's been a while, I agree...almost four months without an update...well, on the one hand I've been quite busy (though I can't really remember what I've been doing :-) and on the other it's kind of difficult keeping up the motivation when there's an official website and you don't know whether you're really needed any longer or not. Our good friend El Marto seems to have closed down his excellent Trainsurfing site for similar reasons this week (plus, it seems as though there has been some trouble between loyal fans and the forum administrators over at the official site, which seems to have alienated a few people. But I'm not involved in that and don't know what the fuss was all about so I can't say much about it). Anyway, we're certainly NOT going to close down - even though our counter passed away at the end of July at about 20,000 visitors (anybody know where to get a new one?) and I promise there'll be regular updates again from now on as well as additional material to be added soon (e.g. new lyrics, something the official site doesn't feature). It would be nice to get some feedback from time to time though to see whether our work here is still appreciated and needed.
Oh, and Mr. Ouellet - thanks for the praise in your farewell statement - and you'd better get that site going again, will ya? Don't let anybody put you out of business, your site was - has been - IS - a great contribution to this great band. This is (and has never been) about competition, we all have the same goal don't we, and so do the people over at the official site.
Okay, now here's a little rundown on what's been happening lately:

Okay, that's it for now, once again sorry for my long absence, see you soon. - Jan

*** Sep 24 - Erm in my mad attempts to edit the box on the front page, I have inadvertently managed to remove the Tom section - and being the web wiz I am (er not) I cant get it back - so of course in the meantime please point your browsers to The Lovers website, for all the latest news on Tom and his latest project. cheers Daz p.s Jan can you please fix the page *grin* - Daz

*** Aug 21 - *NEWSFLASH* according to the official site (pfft what do they know :D) The guys have announced that the Caesars will be supporting them on tour in December. The Caesars are a great Swedish band - who are constantly compared to the carpets as they also use a farfisa organ like Mr. Boon. If you are interested in hearing some of their stuff I personally recommend you head out to the local record store and purchase '39 Minutes of Bliss' which is the best of their albums to date - It contains the song 'jerk it out' which is bloody awesome :). UK reader's might recognize it as its used as the theme on C4's 'Teachers' show. a great choice of support guys...well done - Daz

*** Aug 20 - PHARRRRRRRK!!!! Check out the dust in this place!! Well after 2 months of errr nothing, here I am, Like the Phoenix out of the fire....err anyway how ya doin?. I think Jan has left the country, I haven't heard from him in a while now, I hope your ok m8. Me I've been a busy little bee really working my nuts off and drinking beer. Thanks to the ace little community on the IC's Official sites forums. join up and join in the fun. Well its all very surreal and quiet at the moment....there's been the single been and gone, a few gigs have gone unreported and so on. My sincere apologies for being a slack prick :). anyway I received an email today, from Charlotte who informs me:

This month's issue of London radio station Xfm's magazine X-Ray includes a
free cd which features an exclusive session version of Inspiral Carpets "Come Back Tomorrow" The magazine goes on sale on Thursday.
You will find more information about X-Ray at www.xfm.co.uk/xray (the page will be updated with information about the new issue in the next day or so). Now I'm Not sure if its the version that was Broadcast on the station back in March or another version, I'll find out for you. and well thats about it at the moment - again I apologise for our distinct lack of updates. cheers - Daz

*** June 3 - Inspirals have been confirmed to play Glastonbury (June 27) - on the freakin' MAIN STAGE! - Jan

*** May 28 - Um, it's been a while, I know...but now I'm back. First off I'd like to tell you that the 'Cool As' album which was released last week debuted at #65 in the official UK album charts, which doesn't sound too spectacular but since the album is not really eligible for the charts due to the bonus DVD it's not a bad sign either. No sign at all, actually. The new single - Come Back Tomorrow, release date July 14 - will be eligible, though, and I'm pretty sure the band would really love to have a Top 10 hit (wink, wink :-)
Well, today we finally got our interview sheets back from Martyn and Graham - check this new site area for a blazin' 20 questions on Kylie, George W. Bush and raising sheep. - Jan

*** May 15 - Well it finally arrived!! - my promo of 'cool as' was sitting there in my letter box when I got home from work and I let out a rather large WHOOO HOOO! any way down to business - what do I think? IT KICKS ARSE!!!!!! It is very well put together and the song selection (except one) is fantastic. disc 1 - cool as. To most of us spiral heads Disc 1 is pretty straight forward. all of the MUTE singles in order, with the latest (or soon to be) release "Come back tomorrow" placed on the end. BUT THAT'S NOT ALL!! - at the beginning of the cd - is 2 songs from yonks ago. completes with the original line up we have keep the circle around and butterfly. This is the first time these tracks have appeared on cd and to be blunt THEY ROCK. lol. Disc 2 (rare as) is also great. There have been lots and lots of discussions on what should have been, what is and why. but its here - 17 tracks - including 3 unreleased tracks. Again at the beginning of the cd is old skool inspirals - Steve holt and Dave swift - again for the first time on cd. The rest are selected b-sides, rare songs (well not rare to us hard core loonies :P) and as mentioned 3 new tracks. I could type the word iron 150 times, but it would take up space and bandwidth so I won't - but this is now my favorite IC song - no shit eh - it is awesome. You've got what it takes will have to grow on me I'm afraid - and it isn't growing very fast. The last new track is a version of I don't want to go blind featuring lyrics from Basil Clark. (yep the same from the uniform single) His voice is great - the song is great - but he sings i differently lol - I tried singin with him but i need to re learn his version. all in all this is a fantastic compilation - a must for any ic fan, a definate for any madchester fan - and a yeah why not for all the rest of you lot. Buy it = you'll be glad you did. my rating out of 10 - 9.5 (would have been the perfect 10 but for paper moon :(.

ok other news...... I had an email from Matt.k letting me know about your favorite lead singer doing a DJ set in Manchester. details are as follows.

*** May 10 - Howdy folk's well another week done - and one less to the mother of all releases. Yep its getting closer. I finally heard the studio version of come back tomorrow today... (err does that make sense?) Very good - The single has a release date of July 14th ish (as the dates constantly change). Well the festival season has started - with the lads playing a reduced set in Newcastle - Now I'm not trying to be biased - but seriously I haven't heard a bad thing said about them since they reappeared. The launch party was last week also - A load of lucky fans from the mailing list got the chance to go - and get free beer!!!!!!! FARK heh heh. Again they played a short set - which was greatly received. I feel sorry for the people who went via Townsend - as there was no free beer for them (boooo). The guys are taking part in a charity footy game at Anfield Tomorrow - against the likes of... Blazin' Squad, Liberty X and So Solid Crew - so an easy victory is on the cards. if you head HERE you can read a recent interview the lads did with a certain news paper. Go to the official site - and you can hear clips of the news songs. anyway I need beer. ciao for now - Daz

*** May 2 - Greetings!! How ya doin? yeah its that fun filled time of the week again when I take up 10 mins of your time by rambling utter crap!! well we seem to be going ok now with the web address - hits are up etc etc. ok so what's new in the world of everything Inspiral? ok well according to MUTE the date for cool as is now May 19th. you can read about it Here . Alternatively point yer browsers Here for some upcoming club dates. Talking of club dates - wanna hear the lads spinnin' the wheels of steel? then check out this.

STONELOVE ROCK'N'ROLL BBQ

BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY MAY 05.2003
AT STEREO, NEWCASTLE QUAYSIDE. NOON-MIDNIGHT

FREE ENTRY !!

Featuring a DJ SET from INSPIRAL CARPETS
The band will be along spinning records & playing tracks of their great new GREATEST HITS album (Out next week). The band then play LIVE on the BALTIC SQUARE - we have a Limited Number of FREE ENTRY wristbands available for the LIVE GIG !!

The band will be DJing in STEREO during the afternoon then Playing LIVE at around 9pm. with an AFTER SHOW PARTY back in STEREO after the GIG.

FREE ENTRY (FULL BAR UNTIL MIDNIGHT !!)

STEREO. SANDGATE. NEWCASTLE QUAYSIDE. 0191 230 0303
www.stereocorp.co.uk
www.stonelove.com

Thanks to Dave and Stereo on the official board for those bits of info. Well its a bit early this month but...who cares!! MOOMAIL 5 was released to the masses a few days ago now - and includes comment from the band on the recent tour. Its all getting very busy for the guys now the big release is getting close - lots of promotional work to do - radio, TV , Hollywood, etc etc heh heh. there are few up coming show's on: ·

VIRGIN RADIO SESSION. 4 songs recorded live in the studio, hitting the airwaves on May 11. Virgin Radio is available on 105.8FM in London, 1215AM across the UK and at http://www.virginradio.co.uk
· around the world.
INSPIRAL CARPETS WEEK on Century 105.4fm. 7 days of Inspiral tunes, competitions and interviews, starting today. http://www.1054centuryfm.com
POP FACTORY TV Show (S4C WALES). 2 songs transmission date 15th May
and lastly ( and I'm really really looking forward to this one - an online web chat!! yep a chance to ask silly questions and be insulted by the greatest band on the planet yee-haa :) this will occur on 15th May - at approx 12:00 (GMT) other tidbits include the continuing saga or the ic trackies in Iraq, and news about an upcoming feature titled 'Compulsive Wankers Weekly' hmm sounds bizarre!! A big shout out to the guys and gals on the official site - and the superb way they handled this months competition. due to circumstances beyond their control - there was a slight mishap - and they handled it brilliantly. well done guys. I have got my hands on a promo copy of the new album ( the music cd's anyway) as soon as they arrive - look for a world first review of the new tracks. I can't wait another 17 days lol so I grabbed this with both hands - and i am waiting on the postman every day (he thinks I'm a bit weird). any way that will do for now - keep the mails flooding in - (I had 2 last week) :P cheers for reading. Daz

*** Apr 24 - G'day well it seems that after a roller coaster ride of emails - more emails and then nasty emails we are back online as www.inspiralcarpets.net. Sorry for any inconvenience it has caused - but all's well that ends well eh :) any way - For those of you planning to go to the Evolution festival, it seems you need a wristband - and no the Drayton manor Wristband from 3 weeks ago wont do lol - head over to - http://www.bbc.co.uk/tyne/evolution/ for more details. (ta to Jo for the link). If you haven't already head on over to the Official Inspirals forum. There is a lot of great IC related thread's going on - and WE WANT MORE!!! hope on over to the official site and check em out. Ok time for me to go on the scrounge - I am always looking out for new ic items and mp3's etc etc - check out the webmaster section - not only do you lucky carpeteers get to see pics of me and Jan - but you will also see my collection. If there's any mp3's you have that aren't on my list - get in touch and we'll arrange a trade. I'm going on a Looney IC spending spree again in eBay - and want to get as many ic songs on my pc as I can. Thanks for that. - Daz

*** Apr 22 - 'Come Back Tomorrow' added to lyrics section, 'Cool As' track info + cover picture added to the discography section and a few minor mistakes have been corrected. Domain is still down. - Jan

*** Apr 20 - G'day. Been a bit quiet this week as I've been a bit ill but I'm all ok now so lets get to the reporting... I think we may be nearing an end to the domain issues - but if your reading this they won't really effect you lol. fingers crossed. Another new release has been announced - the single of 'Come Back Tomorrow' will be released on June 9th on MUTE records. The B-side is currently unknown - Hopefully it will be some of the live stuff from the gigs just gone but who knows. just wonderin if it will be DUNG30.- Daz

*** Apr 13 - Domain still down, damnit. Anyway, today I've added that new section I've been promising you for a while - my pix and report from the Manchester Academy gig that I attended. See HERE. Also updated the tour dates section; new festivals confirmed. - Jan

*** Apr 09 - Well some bad news and some good news. first the bad news - We have learnt that Whiskey won't actually be on the compilation which sucks as its a fantastic track. and the good news? well if you go HERE - you can now sing along to the new track :P. just a quick LOL to Martyn following united's result last night :) cheers - Daz

*** Apr 08 - Wow that's got to be the mother of all updates, Darryl - and it caused us to get off our lazy butt's and revamp the whole website. I think it looks a lot better now. Too bad that we're still having problems with our .net - domain - we just discovered that last week, it might have been going on for a while since we've had sinking numbers of visitors, sorry for any inconveniences caused.
Well, Darryl has basically told you everything of importance - which leaves me to say that I spent the greatest weekend of my life in Manchester watching Inspirals at the Academy (brilliant !) and getting to know the guys. I'll have a review of the gig and a few great pictures (some of them really hilarious !) ready for you in a couple of days. And I'd like to thank Martyn and his wife Joanne again for their help and assistance in getting me over there and making me feel at home !!! - Jan

*** Apr 08 - Fark , Fark, Fark What can I say It appears the domain name is down at the moment - I am currently liaising with the registrar to get it sorted - If you are reading this you have obviously beaten the problem well done : ). Ok anyway onto the real issue here....... The biggest week in the inspiral's history - the big comeback tour that everybody was waiting for, and IT TOTALLY WENT OFF!!!!!!!!! Bejesus - I have never heard so many compliments - from fans (new and old alike) the media, George bush, even the friggin aliens were rocking to Come Back Tomorrow lol. Having scoured the official site, from the totally excellent Beast Inside news group, and from emails I have received here are some of the comments.....

Review: The Inspiral Carpets Birmingham Academy, Sunday 30 March 2003
By Steve Wollaston

The Inspiral Carpets are back, looking older than ever, but putting on a top show to hardcore fans old and new. The swirling keyboard playing of Clint Boon and the psychedelic punk pop joy of the Carpets made its return - and Birmingham was loving it! The Academy welcomed their arrival with the now legendary chorus of 'MOO!' and one thing was clear, the band were here to have fun. Recalling their dizzying heights in the late eighties and early nineties, they played a major part in the formation of the 'Madchester' scene and alongside The Stone Roses, Charlatans and Happy Mondays they were the pioneers of an era of 'baggy music'. Tonight was a blistering journey through their back catalogue delivered with immense enthusiasm from vocalist Tom Hingley.

Songs such as a 'Caravan', 'Two Worlds Collide' and 'This Is How It Feels' were delivered perfectly, Hingley's voice has stood the test of time and was at some points in the show truly remarkable. Considering the time-gap since the band split-up in 1995 - the performance tonight is tight and vibrant.

The delighted punters received the songs with warmth and appreciation, the psychedelic backdrop's of cartoons and old footage of the band provided an even greater sense of occasion.

It would be hard to say that the band left the best to last because every song tonight was as good as the last, but the closing three classic tracks of 'Dragging Me Down', 'I Want You' and 'Saturn 5' topped off a fine performance in style. They were back and then they were gone - lets just hope this is the start of a much-needed Carpet's comeback. Ian Brown and John Squire are you paying attention?

Hmm any one know who these Brown and Squire blokes are? lol (that was a joke don't mail me telling me who they are) ok onto some of the mailing list comments....

Sheffield last night was the best gig i have ever seen in my life. Crowd well up for it, the anticipation was unbelievable and it lived up to it in the end...and the set list (wont spoil it for people but that was as good as it gets!) - just wish they had played maybe one more off Beast Inside... 5 more dates left for me on the tour - hopefully things will get even better... Tom, Graham, Clint, Craig, Martyn Please dont leave it 9 years before the next tour!! - Dave Newby

I was there last night and have to say that it ranks right up there with the best gigs I have EVER been to, highlights were Find Out Why and Butterfly although Dragging me Down was a stormer!!! - Mark K (Manc Acad)

Was simply amazing, from the swirling cow light show through the amazing cartoon graphics (check out This Is How It Feels in particular - absolutely hilarious! please put this out in some format Tom) to a stunning performance from the band. Was wary of comebacks having been disappointed by the Mondays and the Wonder Stuff recently, but this was special. No real surprises in the set except for Keep The Circle Around and Butterfly and the Doves cover of Pounding, but who cared? Come Back Tomorrow was right at home in the middle of all the classics. Still got a big smile on my face and rather sore ribs. Don't let this be the last tour, everyone loved it last night. - Dave Brown

See - I could go on for hours - absolutely millions of positive feed back's for the guys - well done lads - Have a few beers then move onto.....

Festivals.
Well with the U.K summer on the way its getting to be festival time...so what can you expect from the world's number 1 band during the warmer (rofl) months?
Well already a couple of dates have been announced. They Have been booked to appear at the EVOLUTION festival in Newcastle. I treat for all you Geordies - after the gig was moo-ved. Apparently the gig is free - although you need some kind of wristbands to get close - I think its set in the quayside on May 5th. other Festival news includes rumors the lads signed up to play at the MOVE festival in Manchester - on or around the 12 July - will confirm more news as I get it. In my attempt to create the longest new post in the history of the internet - I will move onto Official site news - MOOMAIL 4 was released which contained some great tidbits - about other new tracks that will be appearing on the soon to be released Cool As compilation - There is a track called IRON - about the worlds favorite boxer, and a track called You've got what it takes. Both were recorder in the last IC session back in good ol' 1995. If they are anywhere as good as come back tomorrow we are in for a treat. Talking of Which - I have the lyrics for CBT - I'm just waiting on a blessing from the guys to post them - after listening to it about 8 billion times I wrote them down (well typed anyway) - The official site will also be getting a better message board - so if you fancy having a chat with your truly (in post for of course) Then I'm up for it - that's also a thought - I might ask the guys about a chat room - now there's a good idea :)

The Cool As set will be released by MUTE in the UK on May 12th - as of yet there are no international release dates - as soon as there are any I will post them here. we have a track listing if you want....if you don't want to know and want to wait for the the surprise then look away now....

Disc 1 Keep The Circle Around Butterfly Joe Find Out Why Move This Is How It Feels She Comes In The Fall Biggest Mountain Weakness Caravan Please Be Cruel Dragging Me Down Two Worlds Collide Generations Bitches Brew How It Should Be Saturn 5 I Want You Uniform Come Back Tomorrow Disc 2 Theme From Cow Seeds Of Doubt Garage Full Of Flowers 96 Tears You Can't Take The Truth Greek Wedding Song Causeway Directing Traffic Sackville Commercial Reign Skidoo Tainted Love Paper Moon I Don't Want To Go Blind Paranoid Iron You've Got What It Takes DVD Promo Videos Joe Find Out Why Move This Is How It Feels She Comes In The Fall Biggest Mountain Commercial Reign (US version) Caravan Please Be Cruel Dragging Me Down (no Two Worlds Collide for some reason) Generations Bitches Brew How It Should Be Saturn 5 I Want You Uniform Come Back Tomorrow Live At G-Mex Real Thing Besides Me Sackville Song For A Family The Beast Inside She Comes In The Fall Grip plus Band Interview -Now it also seems that Whisky and the TWC video will be making their way onto the set - how good is that set tho - you really get your moneys worth there - I presume you will be able to order it through the site - I hope so as I ain't waiting for it to be released down here :)

So what now - you've been to all the inspirals gigs, your all set for the festivals but can't wait? well then for all you lucky highlanders check out Mr Tom Hingley at the following venues on the following dates.

So I guess your pretty bored now after reading all that , and are probably thinking is there any more news, how can these guys be so busy... well you'd better believe it baby - for all you UK radio listeners - The creator of all those 'Booney tunes" Mr. Clint Boon will be appearing on VIRGIN Radio (105.8fm London, 1215am UK and www.virginradio.co.uk for all us non uk listeners) he is appearing on the razor cuts show that is broadcast on Saturday 6th April between 7 - 10 pm. also on the radio - Talk Sport 10.89am or www.talksport.nrt on Friday 4th April between 1.30 - 200pm, and hear Craig, Martyn and Graham talking football, music and bollox! Ok Had enough yet? lol yep I'm sick of typing as my hand hurts. Thanks for staying with me and reading all this - I will post again should any other news spring to mind. If you want to contact me via MSm or ICQ to discuss anything Inspirals rated or other bits of news drop me a line at (MSm tyrian@iinet.net.au or ICQ 2435945).
Cheers for reading and Stay cool - Thanks to Nigel - Jon and anyone else who contributed to this massive post. Jan had a top time with the lads - I'll allow him to recover and tell you the epic tales of his fantastic weekend- Daz

*** Mar 31 - Flights booked...hotel booked...clothes washed...now all there's left to do is wait for four more days - take my signed Inspirals shirt off the wall - borrow my pal's digicam - survive my dentist appointment tomorrow - get my Euros exchanged and hope I won't fall victim to a PLANE CRASH Saturday morning (giggle): Yes it's true, four more days and I'll be seeing Inspirals at Manchester Academy, the last gig of the Greatest Hits tour under way now, and from what I've heard, it must be a BLAST...I'll try and take pictures and get a few other exclusives for the website, promise, folks ! Watch this space. And as Darryl has already told you, we've also sent a 20-question interview to Martyn and Graham which should be back soon. So there's a lot to look forward to, not only for me, but for every single one of you Spiralheads...these are great times (despite that f***ing war). - Jan

*** Mar 28 - Come back tomorrow - I had chance to listen to it on XFM - here folks we have a future #1 - this song is fantastic - really typical inspirals - the keyboard is fantastic - the vocals awesome - the bass to die for - the drumming first class and the guitar perfect. Well done lads - remember this was recorded live also - and take it from me if this is anything to go on - you guys and gals who are going to see the lads are in for a treat - now for any other long lost tunes..... If you head over to ebay there is a promo version available - a few bids already. Talking of eBay - there has been a real upsurge in inspirals items, so once you have brought all the t-shirts and memorabilia from the official site - and then ordered the cool as **** compilation (which is due to be released in May) I suggest you head over there and buy the entire back catalogue :)
Well the Sheffield gig was last night and the tour is go - If you went along and want to do a review of the gig let me know - same goes for all the other gigs. Moomail 4 is due to be released - and with april fools day just around the corner - who knows what to expect :). Daz

*** Mar 24 - Let the countdown begin.... If you can't contain yourself (easy tiger....) you can hear the guys tonight live (just like saddams broadcast today heh heh) on the Zoe Ball show on XFM. It's a London based radio station (which kicks arse in my opinion having listened to it for a bit today). Zoe's show runs between 16:00 and 19:00 (GMT). There will be a live performance from the guys and an interview. If like myself, you are on the moon - never fear as you can listen online (w00t) just point your browser over at: XFM and you at the top of the page for the link. If you are quick you can get a question asked. In other news sourced from around the world (well ok the official site) The merchandise is slightly delayed, but should be up shortly, including a kiddies t-shirt - mini-mooooooooooooooooooo. cheers - Daz

*** Mar 21 - Well the news is coming in thick and fast, Tom is also doing the iron man thing - he has announced some solo dates for after the greatest hits tour - DON'T PANIC this doesn't mean anything about the band going arse up. Great news for Scottish fans. ok here we go.

Ok, try and get along. Hopefully more gig's will be up soon featuring music from Tom and four other bloke who shall remain nameless (thank-god) :P
We should have an exclusive for the site soon - an interview with two of the most influential Manchester (well Oldham) musicians ever - watch this space.
For more great inspirals news I hope you ....come back tomorrow (grin) - Daz

*** Mar 18 - Greetings! Well Jan already reported the Moomail, It seriously makes good reading. other couple of tidbits - The guys recorded a couple of songs for the Dom Joly show, not sure what tracks were performed, but I'm sure it will be worth watching. It is scheduled to be broadcast in the coming weeks. In this weeks exclusive chat with Martyn (well , me pissed up on MSM exclusive :P) He said the rehearsals were going really well. He is doubling up as an iron man - as he is still working on DC10 (what amazing fitness). Hopefully we will have a release shortly. The Guys are working on an all new light show for the tour - they are renowned for having kickass effects at the gigs - so all you lucky people (grumble need to win lotto grumble) who are going along are in for a treat.
All you joint IC / The Fall fans are going to be a bit disappointed, as it has been announced that the Mark E. Smith version of Saturn 5 has indeed done a Lord Lucan. Unfortunately it won't be making it onto the 'soon to be released' Greatest hits Box set. Which is a shame. well that's it for this issue - I need to go and sell my body in order to finance my plane ticket to the UK for the gigs. 15p and counting : ) cheers for reading - DAZ

*** Mar 15 - Howdy y'all, it's been a while I know but I'm quite busy working at the moment. Anyway, my concert season kicked off impressively yesterday when I stood in the first row at the Johnny Marr and the Healers gig here in Cologne (another one of my boyhood idols) ... and I must say he's the only person in the music business that I know of who manages to sing and chew gum simultaneously without getting things mixed up :-) They played their hilarious cover version of Dylan's 'Don't Think Twice It's Alright' and all in all it was quite a nice gig even though Johnny repeatedly stated that he wasn't in too good of a mood. And now here comes the best part...three weeks from today I'll be seeing my (and your, I suppose) all-time heroes Inspirals at Manchester Academy, my flights are booked and I'm damn excited to get to know the lads and watch the show !!! I'll be taking lots of pictures if possible so that all of you guys unable to attend one of the gigs don't feel too lonely and all...
On other news, MOOMAIL THREE was released a few days ago with news on the build-up to the first gig, the light show, the band's recent first TV appearance in eight years, their support group (Coin-OP), merchandise and a competition where you can win an Inspirals goodie bag.
Three weeks and counting... - Jan

*** Mar 9 - G'day - yep it that time again guys. Word has it that MOOMAIL 3 is just around the corner. what can we expect from this delightful piece I hear you ask? well check this out.

MOOMAIL THREE is on its way!
This month's MOOMAIL is filled with mystery.....
What can you expect to see and hear at the forthcoming gigs?????
What is the question for the exclusive competition ????
What will be our first TV appearance after 8 years???
Is there more Dung to come??
And finally, is there a thief?

What SHOCK, HORROR, OMG , looks like you will have to subscribe to the moomail on the official site to find out :) for the answers to "all of this and more" (sorry couldnt resist :P ) head over to Here and sign your life away. In another tidbit I had a chat with Martyn yesterday - and shat myself lol talk about not knowing what to say when confronted with one of your heroes. cheers - Daz

*** Feb 25 - In news shamelessly stolen from the official site - it looks like there is going to be a single release - Come back tomorrow is a long lost track and to be honest I CAN'T WAIT : ) no details on a date or anything yet - watch this space for details as soon as they are available. cheers - Daz

*** Feb 25 - Hi guys - sorry about the lack of updates in the last couple of weeks, Personally I've had a lot on and I believe Jan has also - what with all the inspirals mania in the U.K- I'll try and update more over the next few weeks. Anyway onto the goodies... well after a couple of months waiting the official site is live!!!! and WOW!!!!! it looks absolutely fantastic. My congrats to the designers. the link (you should all know it by now) www.inspiralcarpets.com .
They have all the latest Inspirals news (although you'll come here for that won't ya lol), Very recent pics of the lads , Diaries a basic discography etc etc. Seriously go have a look already. - Daz

*** Feb 12 - Well, the new MOOMAIL (the Inspirals newsletter) came out Monday, sign up for it at www.inspiralcarpets.com if you haven't yet. The site will be alive and kicking pretty soon, and the band are currently collecting photos, memorabilia and anecdotes that will be featured on it (there will also be a diary there where you can read how they're getting along). The guys have begun rehearsing, getting their new live set constructed and creating artwork for the new album. You can also look forward to new 'Moo Wear' shirts and - possibly - a new single with a previously unreleased track (they're in the process of hunting their rare songs down :-). Moreover, an XFM radio session is planned for broadcast on March 24 (with a separate session for worldwide syndication), so - as promised - things are really kicking off... - Jan

*** Feb 7 - News in the Clint Boon section today. Also wanted to let you know that there's a competition for free tickets to see Inspiral Carpets in the UK at http://www.vip-24.com. The guys there also have more than 300 Inspiral Carpets items for sale. And here's a message from the band:

Just to let you know that we are about to send out MOOMAIL TWO!
You can expect to see an update on how the website is coming along and how you can get involved.
You can get your first glimpse at us hard at work rehearsing and details on Inspirals playing a live session will also be given.
You can only receive the MOOMAIL by subscribing to the Inspiral Carpets mailing list on www.inspiralcarpets.com. - Jan

*** Jan 30 - Tom Hingley tour dates updated tonight. News on the band's upcoming tour and new releases in the weeks to follow. - Jan

*** Jan 8 - Not much to add to that, good work, Daz - and a happy moo year from me as well, of course. Updated the tour dates tonight and added a little information on the Tom Hingley solo gig at the Sheffield Casbah on January 27. The entry's free, so get down there and enjoy the show, should be a great warm-up for the Inspirals tour in March and April. - Jan

*** Jan 8 - Howdy - just a quick update - there is going to be a new inspirals release - its going to be a box set - with the singles, a rarities disc and a DVD. Details are sketchy at the moment - but we have also learnt from a very good source (cheers Tom :P) that one of the rarities is a version of Saturn 5 by none other than Mr. Mark E. Smith. : ) keep em' coming lads. If you haven't already - head over to www.inspiralcarpets.com and sign up for the email news letter, or go Here to see the new years message. Cheers - Daz

*** Dec 23 - G'day - Ok apparently the Newcastle gig has been cancelled - but don't fear it has been replaced with another gig in Manchester - yippee so all you Mancunians (and the rest of you of course : ) ) get in touch with the ticketing place and get your tix. I presume it's on the date that the Newc gig was - I'll update as soon as I know. Thanks to Jon Vaughan for that. Well apart from being a wicked xmas pressie - the news the lads are reforming has had a great effect on the site - hits are up from 100 p.m to 500 p.m. Thanks for that, keep returning for the very latest up to date news about the inspirals - and all related stuff. I wish you all a merry and safe Christmas and new year - here's to making 2003 the year of the cow : ) mooooooooooooo. Daz

*** Dec 8 - Yes - the rumors you have heard were true. The band are back together ! You can find the official statement below and HERE. I have also created a new tour dates page where you can also find important phone numbers, a ticket hotline and a web link where you can buy tickets. It was also necessary to update the biography page for obvious reasons - it's been some work but it's definitely worth it ! I should also point out that from tomorrow on (Dec 9), there will be an official Inspirals website at www.inspiralcarpets.com, looking forward to that. Well, all of you willing and able to go to one of the gigs should certainly do so.
By the way, the 'Greatest Hits Tour' will be accompanied by a re-release of the 'The Singles' album. We'll keep you updated on new developments, possible future releases and everything else connected to the revitalized Inspirals. We're still in contact with several band members, so be sure to check back for reliable and first-hand information.
We'd also like to hear your opinion on the band's return. What do you guys think of it ? Will you go and see them live ? Are you hoping for new material ? Post your opinions in the message board or write us: Jan or Daz. We'll then post your opinions on this page. - Jan

*** Dec 8 - COOL AS FUCK : ) yes its true folks they have reformed for a 'greatest hits tour' here is the official statement...

“It’s not a re-union or a resurrection. It’s a reminder.” - Martyn Walsh

Inspiral Carpets have confirmed a major headline UK tour for March/April 2003. It will be the band’s first tour for eight years.

A band who’s music and spirit epitomised the creativity of the early ‘90’s, and who along with the Happy Mondays and Stone Roses brought psychedelic indie-guitar “Madchester” kicking and screaming into the mainstream, the Inspirals achieved huge success earning 13 Top 40 singles and 4 Top 5 albums between 1990 and 1994. And who can forget their ‘cool as ****’ logo?

Tom: “We never promoted the Greatest Hits album because we were never around to do it at the time. This is the chance to play our songs again – songs that the fans haven’t heard for years.”

Martyn: ‘We’ve got some unfinished business to attend to. We were good and we’ll prove that nothings changed. I know there’ll be a new generation of followers as well as the hardcore fan base that served us well. There will be an edge.” As I said - COOL AS FUCK MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! - DAZ

Date	Venue	Time	Contact Number
28 June 2003	the run to the shires	ukranian youth club	07774893178
27 June 2003	Queens Head Birtley	9.00	01914104706
29 May 2003	porters cellar bar	9.00	0122540444
26 May 2003	Needle Damage Middlesboro	9.00	07966731749
21 May 2003	Dundee Cotton club	9.00	07759458812
20 May 2003	aberdeen look north festival	9.00	07759458812
19 May 2003	market bar inverness	9.00	07973861540
17 May 2003	The Loft Forres	9.00	07759458812
16 May 2003	Celidh Place Ullapool	9.00	07759458812
15 May 2003	Twa Tans Perth	9.00	07759458812
01 May 2003	The Cluny Byker northeast	9.00	01912304474

LATEST NEWS (2003/2004)