NINETIES chart stars Ned’s Atomic Dustbin are to headline a new event celebrating a golden era of indie music in Stourbridge.
The indie icons, who still have a strong following, will perform at Stourbridge Town Hall on Saturday May 25 as part of an event entitled One Heart One Way.
The all-day event, which will also feature performances from up and coming local bands, aims to inspire a new generation of stars from the town.
Tickets for the Ned’s gig will go on sale on Friday at 10am and are expected to be snapped up quickly.
Jonn Penney, lead singer of Ned’s Atomic Dustbin, said: “In terms of musical output and impact, Stourbridge is the mouse that roared.
“In the 90s, when our band broke through on the tails of Pop Will Eat Itself and The Wonder Stuff, the town was a crucible of creativity. I’d like to think that it still can be, if people feel engaged in a creative community.
“I wanted to get the ball rolling. I decided that sometimes you have to put your money where your mouth is, so here we are coming back to Stourbridge, where it all started, to shake things up again.
“I’d love to see the bars, the clubs, the hotels, the restaurants and cafes fit to burst again, like they were when we last played in 2021.”
Kelly Martin, venue manager for Stourbridge Town Hall, said: “For decades the town’s musical output has punched way above its weight to reach all corners of the globe, leaving a legacy that will live on for generations.
“Robert Plant, Pop Will Eat Itself, The Wonder Stuff and of course Ned’s Atomic Dustbin all enjoyed huge success after starting out on the scene in Stourbridge.”
She said the forthcoming event has been badged One Heart One Way after the town motto and she added: “One Heart One Way will be a collaboration with neighbouring venues and businesses in the town to celebrate the immense influence of music in the town, past and present.
“We hope it will inspire a fresh wave of engagement in music lovers and players.”
As part of the event, independent music venue Claptrap will be taking over the Wollaston Studio at the town hall from 5pm to 9pm on May 25 with Claptrap on Tour.
The event will showcase some of the local artists and performers to have graced the stage at the Stourbridge High Street venue.
Sean Lloyd, co-owner of Claptrap, said: "The One Heart One Way motto signifies working together towards a shared goal.
“What better way for Claptrap The Venue to work together with town hall than to set-up shop within its walls, and to have even more bands playing, on the same day, under the same roof.”
Support acts for the Ned’s show, plus a host of other free to attend music events in the town, will be announced in the coming weeks.
To book tickets for Ned’s Atomic Dustbin when they go live on Friday February 9, visit boroughhalls.co.uk or call the box office on 01384 812812.
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