Then Thickens home-coming Christmas party

The band, whose new single, Restart Your Heart, has got several plays on the national radio station recently, practice in a room above the Rose and Crown – and perform this show to say thanks.

Then Thickens began as the solo work of Chorley musician Jon-Lee Martin, formerly masked frontman Magpie of unhinged Manchester noise rock trio, Kong, along with Oceansize’s Mark Heron and Steve Hodson. Then 
Thickens is a very different animal to the chaotic cult trio and their recently released single, Restart Your Heart, has been given Radio One airplay by both Huw Stephens and Steve Lamacq.

Kong gained an intense cult following and travelled the world before their chaotic lifestyle saw Martin turn to his solo work.

His first release, Blood in the River Ribble, won him a following and he gathered musicians whose work he respected to create Then Thickens.

They have performed this free Christmas show for two years running to thank the pub, in St Thomas Road.

Jon-Lee Martin said: “We always play a free show for them because they pretty much let us do what we want. It definitely is a little home from home.”