Ex-bottleman Bibby back with Wry Smiles

MUSIC EXTRA: FRESH from a solo acoustic appearance at Chadderton-based Dan Seal’s Emerging North live showcase earlier this month, Billy Bibby is back with his new band and will play at Manchester’s Night and Day Cafe on Friday.

Having somewhat surprisingly cut himself loose from the massively popular Catfish and The Bottlemen, Bibby (25) returns with his new creation, the Wry Smiles. He embarked upon his new course last summer by writing new songs, testing them with live audiences and forming a band.

Last November Bibby’s band released debut single “Waitin’ for You” and got praise and repeat radio plays.

Recently christened Billy Bibby and the Wry Smiles, the four-piece outfit are now in the middle of a series of approximately 20 tour dates throughout the UK.

The Wry Smiles are Rob Jones (21, lead guitar, backing vocals), Matt Thomas (21, bass, backing vocals) and Mike Pearce (21, drums).

Check out the Night and Day website for the latest on ticket availability for Friday.



TICKETS remain for what promises to be a brilliant ‘Revolution Live — Love Spreads’ night at Whittle’s on February 13.

DJs Dave Sweetmore and Clint Boon will feature on the night, alongside three Oldham bands you should all now be very familiar with — 5ft Fez, Ok Broken and Shadow Palace.

Mod hopefuls 5ft Fez have also got a slot at the Mossley Music and Arts Festival on May 28-29 at Mossley’s Seel Park football ground.



Ok Broken have launched a new website (www.okbroken.com) which features everything going on at band HQ.


Oldham’s Whittles has two massive gigs this weekend. The King Street haunt has Glitter Band originals John Rossall and Harvey Ellis on Friday , while Saturday sees the UK Ramones in town.


FOLLOWING their successful appearance at the Night and Day Cafe in Manchester last weekend, Cupids are spreading their wings with gigs across the country during February.


ROYTON techno youngsters Goda Tungl have bagged a sought-after spot on the latest Scruff of the Neck Records showcase night at the Sacred Trinity Church, Salford, on Friday, February 12 — alongside Manchester prospects Blooms and Gorgeous Bully. Tickets (£8) are available via a link on the Goda Tungl Facebook page.


OLDHAM indie kids Indigo Empire have returned to play a couple of gigs after months of inactivity due to frontman Jimmy’s commitments in America. The band played at the Peels Arms in Springhead and Rochdale’s Cask and Feather last weekend, and more dates are promised soon. Checkthe Indigo Empire Facebook page.