Inspiral Carpets tour

Rig had emerged from a year-long period of formation in studios and smoke filled rehearsal rooms. They made their entrance into the most exciting musical period in the city since Pete Shelley had hosted the Sex Pistols at the Lesser Free Trade Hall, when the previous generation of Manchester musicians had picked up their guitars and the challenge thrown down by the Sex Pistols.

Rig, Queens Hall, Widnes.  4th November 1989. Photo: Eddie Smith

After only a handful of smaller gigs Rig were invited to join the Inspiral Carpets, one of Manchester's big three, on the northern leg of their biggest tour to date. A new keyboard player, Simeon Davies was in place at the start of these gigs and he quickly adapted to the Rig mayhem.

Inspiral Carpets short tour, November 1989. Photo: Eddie Smith

The iconic Queens Hall in Widnes had hosted the Beatles and the Stone Roses amongst others before the Inspiral Carpets arrived in November 1989 with the young band Rig in tow as support. The Hall was sadly demolished in 2012.

Flyer, Queens Hall, Widnes

Rig, Queens Hall, Widnes 4th November 1989. Photo: Eddie Smith

At the first show in Widnes there was a nod to the next Mancunian musical generation knocking around.  Inspiral roadie Noel Gallagher asked to borrow Rig guitarist Darren's Sessionette-75 guitar amplifier as Graham's had broken in the Inspiral's soundcheck. Seemed like a nice Burnage lad.

Rig, Birmingham Irish Centre, 8th November. Photo: Eddie Smith

Despite being having clocked up less than double figures in the number of gigs played, Rig found themselves playing to large crowds on the three support dates with the Inspiral Carpets, a result of the press coverage the Manchester scene and themselves were enjoying. But the step up in venue size didn't phase them, and this on-stage confidence was acknowledged by the Stone Roses manager Gareth Evans, who left a crate of beer for the band after being impressed with their performance.

Rig, Keele University 9th November 1989. Photo: Eddie Smith

Eddie Smith was a local photographer who happened to be following the tour and took some great photos to document these shows.

Birmingham Irish Centre. Photo: Eddie Smith

Rig were starting to be name checked in the press whenever Manchester was mentioned. A new crop of bands following the trail blazed by the Stone Roses, Inspiral Carpets and Happy Mondays were often lumped together. But the Charlatans, King of the Slums, Northside, Paris Angels, What?Noise, and Dub Sex were more than worthy of the interest.

Sky Magazine, December 1989

Buoyed by the Inspiral gigs and the growing interest it was the perfect time for Rig to make their first appearance at the Hacienda supporting King of the Slums. 

Hacienda flyer, November 1989

Ahead of the Hacienda show the band were showed-cased in the weekly music section that appeared every Friday in the Manchester Evening News, which was the bible for local music aficionados.

Manchester Evening News, 17th November 1989

Hacienda pass, 20th November 1989

Hacienda, 20th November 1989

Penny Anderson from the New Music Express was on hand to deliver her verdict on the successful Hacienda show.

New Musical Express Review, 2nd December 1989

The enthusiastic local press was quickly followed by national full pagers. 

Sounds chose Rig and Dinosaur Jr as two of the bands they were showcasing for the 90s. 

Sounds interview. 25th November 1989

And despite still not not having any music on vinyl the band were courted on the turntables of the NME.

NME, December 1989

The year should have ended with a support slot just before Christmas at the International One in Victoria Park, Rusholme, supporting the New Fast Automatic Daffodils, but illness meant unfortunately the band had to pull out.

City Life, December 1989

The 80s concluded with the band firmly established as one of the new generation of Manchester's finest. But it wasn't without some frustration as further delays meant their debut single wouldn't see the light of day until early in the new year.  

Manchester Evening News, 24th November 1989 Sarah Champion

But the 90s were beckoning, the debut single was primed for release and there was the small matter of the band's first gig in the capital.

Rig, Queens Hall. 4th November 1989 Photo: Eddie Smith