After 30 years of playing the North West, The Pies released their first album, Best Of Pies, on June 24th. They will also be performing at Liverpool’s St. Georges Hall on Sat 23rd July. It’s the first Pies live performance since September 11th 2011.

Formed in the late 80’s, The Pies were regulars on the Liverpool music scene, maybe they could have been a big band at the time that Space and Cast broke through, but The Pies decided to split. Guitarist, singer and songwriter Ashley Martin knew he had to continue with the legacy of The Pies and decided to form a new line-up. The band were also famous for their graffiti placed around the region, the famous being on the M57 at Switch Island. THE PIES is mysteriously replaced every time it is removed and is now on its fifth edition.

Alexei Sayle was inspired by the original M57 sign ‘the pies the pies’. He joked about it a lot in his first novel Overtaken. Alexei Sayle says “I love it when I see “The Pies The Pies” written on a bridge, it’s funny thought-provoking and it tells me I am home. It reminds me of the time during the uprisings in Paris in ’68 when the Marxist surrealists known as the Situationists would write on walls “Beneath the pavement, the beach”. But The Pies music is much, much better.”

Their first album is cheekily called BEST OF PIES and features new songs as well as songs they have performed in occasional appearances over the years. The Pies were the first band to play Walton Prison performing two sets in the roof-top chapel.

The Pies band includes Ashley Martin and Tim Kinch (Drums). Two original member’s Si Lee (guitar) and Lee Shone (keys) as well as long-time bass player Tony Oxley. The Keenan Sisters, Barbara and Beverley who have backed The Farm and The Lightning Seeds have become honorary Pies. The guest musicians include Billy Roper (1960’s steel guitarist), Lewis Newrick and Kirsty Newrick. Kirsty is 7 years old and sings on the Fathers For Justice song ‘Batman‘ while her dad guests on drums for ‘What a Night’. Steve Grimes (The Farm) has long been part of The Pies team, adding harmonies and support. The album was produced by Michael Johnson (New Order, Stone Roses) in his own Tankfield Studio on the Wirral.

The Pies’ music has had a long time to develop and it comes from the heart. They are songs of hope, written about their problems, but they are never too miserable or depressing as humour has always been a part of The Pies’ makeup. Their leader Ashley Martin says, “Music should move you or their no real point to it.”

The album is being launched with a special gig at St. George’s Hall, Liverpool. Saturday 23rd July. Where the greatest social reformer of all time Charles Dickens stood as he often read to audiences in the Concert Hall.

Tickets are priced at £12 (incl. administration fee) plus £2.25 fulfilment fee per order.

Purchase in person at TicketQuarter, Queen Square, Liverpool, Online at www.ticketquarter.co.uk or on 0844 800 0410.