Inspiral Carpets
Manchester football embraces Saturn 5 for Xmas No. 1 campaign
After the tragic death of Inspiral Carpets drummer Craig Gill a tribute campaign is aiming to push the band's single Saturn 5 to the Christmas number one spot in the UK.
There was a banner at the Man City - Chelsea game this Saturday, bearing the words: "SATURN 5 FOR XMAS NO.1". The banner was spotted by Ryan Maley, who uploaded it to Twitter:
Tragic death of Inspiral Carpets drummer Craig Gill
The story behind the banner is alas a tragic one. Craig Gill, the drummer for the Inspiral Carpets, died, aged just 44, on 20 November. In response a campaign has been launched by Gill's childhood friend, Rob McCoy, to try and send the band's classic 1994 hit 'Saturn 5' soaring up the charts to take the Christmas number one spot in the United Kingdom. (See all the contenders for the Christmas Number One).
Manchester City backs Saturn 5 capaign
Manchester City have backed the campaign, and played the song on their half-time playlist during the game against Chelsea.
Saturn 5 banner to be displayed at Old Trafford
The banner displayed at the Etihad will now be taken to the red half of Manchester, with the plan being to display it in the Stretford End at Old Trafford during the game against Spurs.
Inspiral Carpets impact
The Inspiral Carpets were a fundamental part of the Madchester scene of the 80s and early 90s, alongside bands such as the Happy Mondays, the Stone Roses and the Charlatans. And Gill's inventive drumming was a big part of their unique sound. The Inspiral Carpets are also known for having a certain Noel Gallagher, latterly of Oasis fame, as a roadie.
The Inspiral Carpets split up in 1995, but reformed in 2003, releasing a new single (recorded in 1995), compilation albums and going on tour. In 2014 the band released their first new album in 20 years, Inspiral Carpets.
Tributes for Craig Gill
The Inspiral Carpets released this statement after Gill's death, calling their drummer "the beating heart of the Inspirals in more ways than one".
Gill, was an integral part of the Inspiral Carpets from the start. In 2005 he set up Manchester Music Tours, which took visitors on a bus and walking tour around the famous musical Manchester landmarks. He was well known for his good humour.
Tributes to Craig Gill flooded in after his death, including messages from former Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher and the Charlatan's Tim Burgess. Local bus drivers have also paid tribute, and backed the campaign to get Saturn 5 to number 1.
Local boxer Ricky 'Hitman' Hatton is also backing the campaign.
Go on, download it, it's a perfect slice of shimmering indie pop genius. #GetSaturn5ToXmasNo1