Here come The Muffin Men

The Muffin men play Frank Zappa Music, with some Captain Beefheart and stuff thrown in. But don't call them a tribute band, they've been around way too long for all that.

Instead expect songs with titles like Zoot Allures and Take Your Clothes Off When You Dance, with rock and jazz, boogie blues and doo-wop. The band take on anything - always with eyebrows raised - just how Frank would have wanted it, they say.

The band were formed in 1990 by some music tutors at LIPA, led by Roddie Gilliard. The horn players, Andy, Simon and Martin, have been around forever too: They are ex-Wizards of Twiddly and the brass section of choice for a whole host of acts including The Coral and Natasha Hamilton.

The Muffin Men have played more than 400 shows in 10 countries. They have recorded 10 CDs and had four original members of the Mothers of Invention/Zappa bands in their line-up.

Jimmy Carl Black, original drummer and vocalist with The Mothers Of Invention is special guest. Jimmy not only appeared on more than 15 of the original Zappa/Mothers albums, he also starred in the movie "200 Motels" with Ringo Starr and Keith Moon and played drums with Captain Beefheart and His Magic Band.

He says: "The Muffins are the best band I've ever played with. They take the music and turn it into something else, something new!"

With that ringing testimony in mind, do you want to see them when they play a special gig at Pacific Road Arts Centre on Thursday April 19.

We have a pair of tickets to give away, so fill in the form below and you could be on to a winner.

We have a pair of tickets to give away to the Manchester gig. If you would like to be in with a chance of getting your hands on them, simply fill your details into the form below and we’ll pick a winner at random.