Take Foo – Fighters doppelgangers live

The as-yet-untitled record will be their eighth studio album and celebrates American music history, with the band recording tracks in eight cities across the United States.

Lead singer Dave Grohl has described the new album as a “love letter to the history of American music”.

It has been three years since Foo Fighters released their last album Wasting Light, which won five Grammy awards.

Jay Apperley, leader of the UK Foo Fighters and one of the most talked about tribute bands on the circuit, said: “The anticipation of waiting for a new album is just so special, and Wasting Light was their best one.

“It has so much raw power and we’ve opened quite a few of our sets with White Limo, from that LP.

“I can’t believe where we have got to with the UK Foo Fighters because for 25 years I didn’t have the courage to be the singer in a band because I didn’t think I was good enough.

“Now we are playing festivals and we’ve toured Britain.

“The crazy thing is that this is a hobby that has gone ballistic and we turn down more gigs than we play.”

Apperley’s ability to emulate the charismatic front man needs to be seen to be believed – and driven by the adrenaline of performing live, and excellent fans’ feedback, they return to Clitheroe on Saturday (June 14) with the Foos playing classics Monkey Wrench, Times like These, Learn to Fly and My Hero.

Recently, on a family holiday to America, he visited the Foo Fighters 606 studio in Los Angeles.

“I’m not a famous person chaser, but I wanted to see the studio,” added Jay.

“I was sat outside and the drummer, Taylor Hawkins, came out and said, ‘Oh My God…. Has anybody told you that you look like Dave Grohl’.

“We chatted for a while and he took my picture and added, ‘I can’t wait for Dave to see this.”

Formed in 2006, they have shared bills with Feeder and DJ Zane Lowe, while Yorkshire-based Apperley was born in Virginia, where Grohl was also born and bred.

“At the start I was very reluctant to be part of the tribute scene,” said Apperley, who bears an uncanny likeness to Grohl.

“I didn’t really see the point of it.

“When we first started I wasn’t comfortable about people thinking I was Dave Grohl, and mentally it was a big pressure.

“At the same time, though, I was pretty humbled by it.”

Added Jay: “In the space of a few years, I’ve gone from singing a song at a New Year’s Eve party to fronting a band playing a national tour at Academy size venues.

“Now my life wouldn’t be complete without doing this because it gives me so much energy.”

UK Foo Fighters, Clitheroe Grand Theatre, with support from The Hero Complex and Fret 64.

June 14. 01200 421599. £10.

By Tony Dewhurst