AN Astwood Bank band has been given a lucky break after being chosen to support Midlands supergroup Ocean Colour Scene on one half of their forthcoming UK tour, writes Melina Cannon.

Late, a four-piece indie/rock band, is made up of singer and rhythm guitarist Dan Sealey, guitarist Paul McCormack, bassist Greg Young and drummer Ted Atkinson, who cite The Beatles and The Small Faces among their musical influences.

Their manager Dave Sealey said the prestigious booking came about following a string of chance events which led to a telephone call from Ocean Colour Scene's lead singer Simon Fowler about three weeks ago.

"Late were supposed to play the Flapper and Firkin and Ronnie Scott's as part of Birmingham Arts Festival on September 9 and 10 last year but the Ronnie Scott's gig was cancelled.

"We saw both as significant venues and when Ronnie Scott's fell through we wanted to get another big venue. It turned out that a dance troupe had pulled out of a performance at Centenary Square at the last minute.

"Late got to perform in their place on a big open-air stage where they played with great panache and were spotted by Redditch-based company Resurrection Sound," he said.

resurrectionsound.co.uk is a Bromsgrove Road internet company mainly involved with the distribution of digital music online, which has also formed a sideline signing up-and-coming bands such as Late.

Company director, Stephen Davies, said: "I am amazed the band has gone unnoticed for so long. They have been developing their sound for a few years and have been playing the pub circuit but are worth more than that - now their time has come."

Band member Dan said: "Obviously we are very pleased. It is a great opportunity and we will certainly make the most of it."

He also said the band has produced a seven-track CD and a single entitled No Reason as samples of their work.

Mr Sealey added: "The last people to support Ocean Colour Scene were Coldplay who have since gone on to achieve amazing success.

"It is such a leap forward for the boys, a real break for a local band. They were a bit taken aback at first but are very confident and I know they can do it."

Late will be performing at Trentham Gardens, Stoke-on-Trent on February 26, The Royal Centre, Nottingham on March 2 and The Academy, Birmingham on March 22.