WELSH rockers Stereophonics are returning to the North next week as they head to Castlefield Bowl.

Stalwarts of the music scene, the band are celebrating the launch of its new single Mr And Mrs Smith, taken from number one album Keep The Village Alive.

Ahead of the headlining gig though, it will be music to Bolton fans ears to hear they wouldn’t turn down an opportunity to play in the town.

Bassist Rich Jones said: “We would love to come to Bolton.

“Last time we were in Bolton was back in 1996, when we were playing pubs and clubs. We are definitely not the type of band to shy away from playing gigs if the opportunity comes up.

“We are looking forward to Manchester too. We did the arena back in December and it’s always good when we play in Manchester. We’re also looking forward to playing an outdoor arena, there’s always a good atmosphere especially when there’s good weather!”

The band have a tour of 10 outdoor dates across the UK and Ireland this summer.

It has seen them on home turf at Cardiff City Stadium, enjoying the Isle of Wight Festival and Glyndwr University Racecourse Stadium with Catfish and the Bottlemen this Saturday before Castlefield Bowl on Thursday and Edinburgh Castle later in the month.

With career sales of over 10 million albums, Stereophonics’ latest single was released on the band’s own Stylus Records label, via Ignition Records, on Friday.

Rich added: “The new single is really upbeat, very energetic. It’s about pushing ourselves in a different direction and trying to move forward.

“We have been in the studio lately for the next album, there are quite a few things we are all happy with and we play them to close family and they tend to be the most honest about our music.

“When we were kids this is what we wanted to do, this is the life we wanted. We still have goals, we want to play to as many people as possible and keep on coming up with meaningful songs which people can relate too. There’s no reason for us to stop yet.

“You never know what kind of bands are out there when you release new music. When we record those songs we want to produce something which is relevant, which fans old and new will love and is something people can get their rocks off to!”