BLACK Pulp are set to play a homecoming show in Warrington after making a name for themselves in Liverpool.

Two members of the alternative group – Matt Bayliss and Sam Holt – grew up together at St Gregory’s RC High School.

But they have never brought their band to the town until now. They will be performing with Priestley, Pacific and The Jjohns as part of Friars Live at Friars Court in Barbould Street on Saturday.

Matt, from Callands, said: “It’s amazing to get a chance to play in our hometown.

“It’s something we’re really excited about and I think having music back in the town is something people have wanted for a long time.

"In Warrington I’ve definitely noticed a few more live gigs and open mic nights. We’ve also had Max and Mo on The Voice.

"It’s great to see people from the town doing so well and we’ve played with a number of Warrington bands who all really want the chance to play in their hometown. It’s a nice feeling.”

Momentum has been building for Black Pulp since they released their single, Cry Again. The quartet recorded it at Sugar House, based at St Helens’ Catalyst Studios, where Viola Beach made Swings and Waterslides.

Matt, 21, added: “We’re good friends with a lot of bands who have used the studio there. A band called Hanover have recorded there and their frontman Calan Nickle is from Warrington.

“Sugar House seem to be pumping out a lot of good tunes at the moment. Our plan is to put out a couple more singles, work towards an EP and keep playing as much as we can .

“At the moment we mostly play in Liverpool so we want to try and expand and play Warrington and Manchester a lot more. We’ve also got a gig in London coming up in May at the Half Moon in Putney. That should be a good one.”

Matt and Sam have been in bands since they were teenagers

“We were actually in rival bands all the way through school,” Matt added.

Sam’s band was called The Naked Ostrich while Matt was in two bands with Viola Beach drummer Jack Dakin called Keith and Don’t Shoot The Messenger.

The Voice contestant Mo Adeniran, and one of the favourites to win, was also in the line-up for Don’t Shoot The Messenger.

Matt said: “Sam went to study at the University of Liverpool where he formed Black Pulp with Jack Smith and Ste Williams. We lost touch but they were looking for a new guitarist so Sam said: ‘I know a lad from home he might be interested’. I joined in March last year and I had my first gig a week later.”

Matt was good friends with Jack Dakin and was inspired by Viola Beach’s success story. That was one of the main reasons why he joined Black Pulp, who have since been championed by BBC Introducing.

He added: “What Viola Beach achieved in such a short space of time was incredibly inspiring not just for Warrington bands but bands all over the north west.

“They shone a spotlight on the area and paved the way for a lot of musicians. Getting a number one album is a testament to their music.”

Black Pulps perform with Priestley, Pacific and The Jjohns at Friars Live on Saturday. Tickets are £3. Visit skiddle.com/e/12923231