“Better than the real thing”

THE WORLD’S only tribute to early ‘90s indie band Happy Mondays head north to Shetland on Saturday 24 January.

Happy Mondaze concert at Mareel will be their first in Shetland, having already built up a strong following across the UK with their authentic replica of the original band.

The six piece tribute act draws on material from throughout the Happy Mondays’ career, including hits like 24 Hour Party People, Kinky Afro, Wrote for Luck, Hallelujah and Step On.

They have been described by Happy Mondays’ drummer Gaz Whelan as “even better than the real thing”.

Promoters Klub Revolution had booked the real Happy Mondays for one of Mareel’s opening concerts in 2012, only for the gig to be cancelled at the last minute due to illness.

Klub Revolution’s Alan McLeod said this month’s concert should transport rock fans straight back to “halcyon days of the Madchester era”.

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“We’ve brought many great tribute bands to Shetland over the years including AB/CD, CASH and Fools Gold to name but a few and we’re convinced that Happy Mondaze will prove to be just as popular,” he said.

“Having seen the Happy Mondays on several occasions over the past 20 plus years, I can guarantee that this tribute really is as close to seeing the Mondays in their prime as you are going to get!”

There is a full supporting line up of DJs and up-and-coming Shetland band Dig Deep will open the concert.

Local house DJ Saul Day from Subtronic will play a special old skool Hacienda set after Klub Revolution DJs who will open with a Madchester anthems set.

Tickets are available now from Shetland Box Office priced at £15.