Ex Inspiral Carpets' singer to play pub gig in Pontefract

Mr Hingley will also play some Inspiral classics and some new songs. He will also take questions during the free event at the Tap & Barrel on Friday, February 26 at 7pm.

He is coming to the pub on Front Street to launch the paperback version of ‘Carpet Burns: Life With Inspiral Carpets’. It has been published by Route, of Pontefract, which is near the pub.

The book charts Mr Hingley’s ups and downs with the chart-topping band, who rose to prominence alongside Happy Mondays and Stone Roses in the ‘Madchester’ era of the early 1990s. They had several hits, including ‘This Is How It Feels’.

The well received hardback edition of Carpet Burns was released shortly after Hingley left Inspiral Carpets in 2011. Much has changed since and the new edition marks the beginning of a new era in his musical career. A new album and tour are in the pipeline this year.

Mr Hingley said: ‘You can’t keep a good book down: two bereavements last year made me have a good look at myself and I’ve now got a fresh, healthier outlook.”

Tom Hingley’s book launch in Pontefract will also feature a short question and answer session, where he’ll spill the beans about his time in Inspiral Carpets. It will be followed by an acoustic set of songs.

He said: “I’ll be bringing two guitars to Pontefract, one in regular tuning to play some Inspirals classics, and one tuned to D to play some of my new songs. Expect something old, something new, something borrowed and something blues.”

Ian Daley, of local publishers Route, said, “It’s fantastic to have the opportunity to bring Tom to Pontefract to launch the book.”