The Open UK tour Jan-Feb '04

• 11th Jan 2004

'Close My Eyes' brand new single 1st March 2004

“Some of the new rock bands poised to break through in the UK are as exciting as anything I have heard in years, particularly the melodic grandstanding of The Open.”
Neil McCormick, Daily Telegraph

Following the successes of their November 2003 debut EP and live shows with Muse, The Duke Spirit and The Thrills, The Open will tour once more in January and February 2004, and will release their second single 'Close My Eyes' in March.

From Walsall and Birkenhead, The Open formed less than a year ago at Art College in Liverpool. Recently included in the NME's 2004 'Hot List' of new acts and latterly described by the paper as “the sound of the future”, The Open have just completed the recording of their debut album, due for release later in the year, with Simon Raymonde producing and Dave Bascombe mixing. The “sure-fire hit” (NME) 'Close My Eyes' is taken from these recording sessions, as are the exclusive b-sides 'The View', and 'Getaway'. Two further songs exclusive to this release 'Brown Paper Bag' and 'Shadows On The Wall' were recently completed at Elevator Studios in Liverpool by the band themselves. 'Close My Eyes' is released on Loog on 1st March 2004 on CD, 7″ and 12″ – the 12 inch vinyl release will be available only from the band's website link.

The Open are Steven Bayley vocals/guitar, Jim Reynolds bass, Jon Winter guitar, Scott Holland drums and Alan Dutton keyboards.

The Open live (headlining unless stated).

January
24th Saturday Bath Moles (with The Delays)
27th Tuesday Stratford Upon Avon Cox's Yard
28th Wednesday Stoke Sugarmill
31st Saturday Leicester Princess Charlotte

February
1st Sunday Southend Chinnerys
2nd Monday Northampton Soundhaus
3rd Tuesday Oxford Zodiac
4th Wednesday London Astoria (NME/Brats show)
11th Wednesday Nottingham Liars Club (with the Stills)
13th Friday Wolverhampton Little Civic (with the Stills)
14th Saturday Glasgow Stereo (with the Stills)
15th Sunday Manchester Night & Day (with the Stills)
17th Tuesday Leeds Joseph Wells (with the Stills)
18th Wednesday London 100 club (with the Stills)

“In terms of scope and ambition the only comparison you can make is early Stone Roses.” NME