Telescopes play city tonight

Formed in 1987 by Stephen Lawrie, the original incarnation of the band debuted with the Stooges/Velvets-like Taste album for What Goes On in 1988 before signing to Creation Records.

Their eponymous second album was released in 1992 before a 10-year hiatus for Third Wave in 2012.

The ever-changing line-up sees Lawrie touring with members of One Unique Signal tonight.

Their seventh album Harm is released next Monday – having being developed live with three different line ups over a course of 12 months – recorded entirely in one take, without any overdubs.

Stephen said: “The band name was actually inspired by a telescope given to my grandfather by a German POW.

“The other definition of the word reinforced the decision to go by it.

“Harm was recorded in America and when it didn’t work out for me to bring a band over there to play shows everyone stepped in to help out.

“We recorded the whole LP on tour together during a radio session for Part Time Punks radio in Los Angeles.

“Everything in one take. At 444Hz. No overdubs.

“I’m writing all the time. No matter what the situation. If it’s not going on with a paper and a pen or an instrument it’s going on in my head. I have no format or formula for anything.

“Inspiration comes from everything and nothing. Seriously. Who knows what may trigger the next spark of inspiration? It’s all about the crack in the cosmic egg.

“We played Preston before with the local band. Formula One. in the 90s. I remember there was a good fish and chip shop there.”

Tickets are £6 and the support comes from One Unique Signal and Manchester fuzz rockers Purple Heart Parade.