Band to return to stage for first time in 20 years

A Wolverhampton indie band is set to return to the stage for the first time in nearly two decades.

Bridge 55 - made up of singer Joe Karchud, guitarists Richard J Campbell and Sam Collins, Richard Willis on bass and Luke Bryant on drums - stopped performing in 2007.

Although there was interest from labels, they said, they were never signed and added that they became disillusioned with the industry.

Now back together, they will be releasing their debut single Auditorial Flowers at the end of the month and will hit the stage at Wolverhampton Arts Centre on 3 October.

Karchud said: "We have been overwhelmed with the demand for tickets and how many people are coming back together to celebrate our music.

"We've been totally blown away by the reception we've had since announcing the reunion show too.

"And releasing a single marks an exciting chapter for us - we never quite got to that stage when we were in a strong position in our music-making careers in 2007, so next week promises to be a compelling milestone for us."

The group named themselves Bridge 55 because as children, Karchud and Campbell used to walk from Wednesfield along the canal and turned back when they reached Bridge 55 in Castlecroft.

The homecoming reunion gig will also raise money for the Wolves Foundation with £2 from every ticket sold being given to the charity.

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