Rock acts Empyre and The Big Dirty join up for acoustic show

Northants rockers Empyre and The Big Dirty will be joining up for a headline gig at The Black Prince next month following the release of their new single and albums.

The bands will be among the latest to make their live return to the garden stage of the Abington Square venue next month.

Empyre recently released their new single Just A Ride, which follows past singles Drive and Cut To The Core.

The Big Dirty have recently released their debut album The Sex.

Guitarist Did Coles from Empyre said: “We have an acoustic side so we're able to adapt to the current live music requirements.

“It's certainly a bonus that our first ‘live’ gig back is in Northampton, our hometown, and we can't wait to perform to people in person rather than from across the internet.”

Since lockdown was announced in March and venues forced to close, members of Empyre have been busy with their Isolation Sessions, been featured in Guitar World, taken part in NHS fund-raisers and released new music.

Did adds: “We tried to have the perspective of making the best of a bad situation and see this as an opportunity.

“We really have tried to optimise our creative time during this pandemic.

“Rehearsals have now restarted and we're able to meet up regularly which is a welcome relief.”

Current Government guidelines on outdoor performances mean they must be significantly quieter than regular gigs and with social distancing measures in place.

In reality, this means venues which can facilitate live music are mainly putting on acoustic shows.

Did adds: “We're massive fans of the MTV Unplugged performances from the likes of Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, that iconic Nirvana performance and many of the other artists that took their songs and reinterpreted and rearranged them with an acoustic approach.

“The acoustic gig will give a clear example of our other side, our acoustic alter ego and the acoustic theme that is developing with the band.”

Opening for Empyre will be party rockers The Big Dirty.

While the band is still celebrating the release of their debut album, they’re not necessarily looking at their forthcoming acoustic gig as an LP launch – more “a reconnection with the music scene”.

However, they still plan on bringing the spandex, makeup and whiskey water-pistol to the show.

“It’s a way of getting back on stage and being able to interact with the fans and just have a good night,” explains singer explains singer James Shaw – AKA Jonny Rocket.

“The LP launch will come once we are able to put on a show with the full line up.

“We have still dearly missed playing live and it's going to be nice just to be able to experience it again, even in the acoustic setting.”

Talking about their record, he adds: “The reaction has been amazing, especially considering it's an independent release.

“The sales were great and we've been shopping merchandise all over the world.

“There was a huge amount of support for us both locally and across the UK and we can't thank people enough for that. It's been great.”

And what do The Big Dirty think of their fellow Northampton rockers?

“They are good friends of ours and are absolutely smashing it in their own right,” explains Rocket.

“It was a no brainier when they asked us to play. Shoe town repping the rock together.”

The feeling is mutual, with Did adding: “We're really happy to finally team up with The Big Dirty.

“A Northampton hometown return gig really needs another Northampton band and they were our first choice.”

Both play on Friday, August 14. Music is from 7pm, admission is free.