What an 'incredible' experience

Photo: Paul Chan

OUR man Simon Smedley, second left, with Gardenback

CHERISHED memories were clearly created for Gardenback at the epic Cotton Clouds festival on Saturday.

The highly-rated locally-based trio ­- Ellis, Neil and Jacob ­- were lucky enough to be granted an early afternoon slot on the main stage ahead of the likes of The Whip, Nick Heyward, The Coral and the Sugarhill Gang, and they didn't disappoint their steadily growing army of fans.

Roaring out a terrific half-hour set - which included next month's new single 'Bulldogs' ­- the Gardenback lads made the very most of their dream opportunity at Cotton Clouds' inaugural showpiece..

After the gig, sticks man Jacob ­- who later played trombone in the Howling Rhythm soul band - beamed: "It was incredible. The sound on the stage was awesome and it was just great to see so many people from Saddleworth out there having a good time.

"It was fantastic."

Lead guitarist Neil was clearly equally impressed. He said: "That was definitely one of my favourite gigs of all time.

"It was so much fun. The audience were so nice and friendly towards us, the people backstage have been great.

"The organisation of whole thing has been brilliant.

"The other great thing for me has been that there has been so much Oldham talent on the festival.

"We caught a bit of Shadow Palace and Proletariat and they were so good, as was Jake Fletcher and Darling Club."

Vocalist and bassist Ellis clearly felt part of something very special.

He added: "It's been one of those where we've been trying to build it up in our own heads, and when we got here today it just felt really good.

"The atmosphere was amazing just driving up here.

"We've all grown up here and this whole area has been crying out for something like this for ages. For us to play the first Cotton Clouds was brilliant."