Popular Manchester band Twisted Wheel return to Stoke next week, writes Zita Collinson. Lead singer Jonny Brown heads a new line-up and will be supported by local acts Faux Feet, Tequila Lips and Six Towns

JONNY Brown, the lead singer of Manchester punk band Twisted Wheel, has been through a tough time recently.

His mum died this year and the band he had been at the helm of since early 2008 was starting to fall apart.

The 24-year-old admits it was a difficult period. But a few months ago, after two of the original band members left, Jonny asked drummer Eoghan Clifford and bass player Stephen Evans to join him and Twisted Wheel was reborn.

Together they have already played Ozzfest and the Dot To Dot festival.

And music fans will get the chance to see the reinvented trio, who are signed to Ignition Records, when they play at The Underground next week.

It is part of a warm-up tour before a headline series of dates early next year to promote a new album.

"Over the past few months the line-up has changed," says Jonny. "I've got two new members who are absolutely ace.

"Just as Steve (Evans) joined us, my mum went into hospital. She lived in Spain and passed away a few weeks ago.

"I was devastated. I spent four weeks away and just about managed to get the new line-up together but obviously, we couldn't rehearse.

"I emailed Steve and Eoghan and asked them to learn some songs while I was in Spain. When I got back, they were playing every song absolutely perfectly."

With the old band, Jonny toured with some of the biggest names in the industry.

Twisted Wheel was the main support for none other than Oasis and Paul Weller in recent times, as well as The Enemy and Kasabian among others.

Still, Jonny says he is more optimistic about the future than ever before.

"With the new line-up, we've got a new dimension to the sound," he says. "It's not been a nice time for me personally.

"We started out and toured the world so it's sad that it had to end but at the same time, what's happened has happened and I'm more positive than ever.

"The energy has doubled and people will be able to see that."

Local acts Tequila Lips, Six Towns and Faux Feet are also on the bill next Friday.

Liam O'Brien, aged 24, from Burslem, is lead singer of Six Towns. Matt Litherland, Simon Harrison, Jake Lovatt and Paul Cawley make up the rest of his group.

Formed in 2007, Six Towns are currently unsigned. In January they recorded an eight-track album at Prism Studios in Hanley.

All their songs are available to download for free from their website.

"We're really looking forward to playing at The Underground and it's a good opportunity for us to play with a signed band," says Liam. "I saw Twisted Wheel when they were supporting Oasis in Manchester and got their album after."

Jonny adds: "Stoke is one of my favourite places to play. I used to be in a group called The Children and we played twice in Newcastle."

Twisted Wheel play at The Underground, Morley Street, Hanley, on Friday, October 15. Support comes from Tequila Lips, Six Towns and Faux Feet. Call Music Mania on 01782 206000 for tickets.