The Stands on success, signings and searing hot flames!

"The best band in London...No! The best band in England!" This is how Jet front man, Nic Cester thanked their support band, The Stands at the end of a sold out gig at ULU. Praise indeed! From the back streets of Liverpool, to the big time in a matter of weeks. Adored by many, ignored by few, The Stands are going from strength to strength and nothing is going to get in their way.

Recently signed to Echo records ("The best decision we've ever made") and having supported a host of big names from Oasis (Noel and Gem always present at their live shows) to The Vines, Alfie and new best buddies, Jet, The Stands are set for the big time. Not that the journey has been without hitches however, as guitarist Luke Thomson and bassist Dean Ravera announce to gigwise after the show.

"Our tour bus caught fire on the outskirts of Glasgow last week. One minute we were sitting there, the next, there was smoke coming out of what looked like (lead singer) Howie's head!" Joked Luke. They all ran off the bus and had to wait for a lift to the next show. Lucky for us then that all they lost was a mobile phone and a bit of fabric from the tour bus. The Stands live on.

The Jet tour may have finished, but this is by no means the last you will hear from the curly haired, corduroy-wearing Byrds-fetishists. They are playing the New Tent at Glastonbury on the Saturday and rumoured to be in tour talks with fellow Scouse musicians The Hokum Clones and The Bandits.

Their first single 'When The River Rolls With You' will be released on 28th July, to coincide with the Glastonbury performance. So make haste, purchase that single, and remember where you heard about them first.

Photo by Shelly Turner :: shelly@gigwise.com