A TOWN centre bar is aiming to keep Bolton rocking as it prepares to launch two new nights of live music.

Bar Metro has joined forces with Ray Smith, the former landlord of the Moses Gate pub, to promote a karaoke competition and tribute band night.

The first karaoke night will be held on Friday, July 1 and a tribute act to The Who will perform the following night.

Future tribute acts in following weeks include Status Quo, Bruce Springsteen, Black Sabbath, Yes, Motley Crue and The Stranglers.

The karaoke night will include a number of different heats, with the eventual winner claiming a £500 cash prize.

The new nights come after the closure of Mr Smith's pub in March, and Kico Rocks, a venture which he promoted at the Flying Flute which also closed more recently.

The Bradshawgate bar says it hopes the new nights will revitalise the town centre and bring music fans in.

Jon Stowell, who has been manager of the bar for seven years when it was previously called Durty Gurty's, said: "The town centre is a bit quiet at the moment really.

"For some reason the Kico Rocks night didn't work, and we are hoping that it will bring in people and get it busy.

"We have spent a fortune on a new PA system and other equipment, so it is all there.

"After the tribute nights, we are hoping that we can get local bands and young up and coming musicians to perform."

Mr Stowell explained that the nights represent a bid to get town centre drinkers out earlier in the evening.

He said: "We are being hit by people 'pre-drinking', having a drink at home instead of at the pub to save money. Then they come out later on in the evening.

"Hopefully they will see the music nights and will want to come out and enjoy it."

For the tribute acts, doors will open at 7pm, with the band starting at 9.15pm.

The first night will cost £8 on the door. For full listings, visit barmetro.rocks