Hip Parade to support Stereophonics on UK tour

Feb 24 2010 by Judith Tonner, Airdrie & Coatbridge

Hip Parade

COATBRIDGE band Hip Parade are preparing for the biggest gigs of their careers as they join Stereophonics on their UK tour.

The four-piece were invited to support Kelly Jones and company on their nine UK dates next month after teaming up with the band’s guitarist Adam Zindani, who has produced their soon-to-be-released debut album.

Now they will open the show before thousands of music fans, beginning at Newcastle on Monday, followed by two nights in front of their home crowd at the SECC, culminating with performances at the O2 and Wembley arenas in London on March 11 and 12, respectively.

Hip Parade are also preparing to release their debut single, Katie Goes Dancing, as a double A-side to coincide with the tour dates.

It caps a memorable year for the band, who rose to national fame when they finished as runners-up in Channel 4 show Orange Unsigned Act last February. They have since played numerous sell-out gigs as well as realising their dream of playing at T in the Park.

The band comprise guitarist David Flavell of Blairhill, drummer Kris McDines of Townhead, and brothers Rob and Sal Shah, the singer and bassist, who like Kris are former pupils of St Ambrose High.

David said: “We’re excited and nervous at the same time. It’s insane to think that we’ll be playing to crowds of 20,000 people and we can’t wait for the tour to start on Monday.

“I first saw Stereophonics 10 years ago at T in the Park and I can’t believe we’re going to be on the same stage in these amazing arenas like the O2 and Wembley. Most of the bands Stereophonics have had supporting them in the past have already been successful and well established and have had several albums so it’s a huge honour for us.”

Hip Parade were presented with their opportunity after record label BMG Rights Management helped them team up with Adam Zindani for the recording of their album at Monnow Valley Studios last month.

David said: “One of our bosses knew Adam and knew that he was interested in getting involved in producing. We played him some of our demos and he really liked them.

“The studios are absolutely amazing and are where Oasis recorded Definitely Maybe.

“Adam was really excited about getting involved. He spent three weeks working with us, left on the Saturday and then went on the band’s European tour on the Monday!

“It was brilliant to work with him and we hit it off really well.

“He’d said he’d let Kelly Jones hear our songs and if he liked it, we could perhaps play at the Glasgow gigs.

“Then Kelly phoned Rob, our singer, from the side of the stage in Zurich to invite us to be their support and it’s been madness since then!

“It’s been all hands to the pump to get our single out in time for the gigs.

“The thing I’m looking to look forward to most is walking on stage in those fantastic arenas.”