British pop rockers Busted have announced a surprise Nottingham gig, in a turbulent week for record stores.
The gig is free, but fans must buy a CD or vinyl record for the band to sign.
Busted’s latest album Half Way There is competing for the number one album with Encore by The Specials, who it has been announced will play the 2019 Splendour Festival.
It is the London band’s first album since their 2016 release Night Driver.
Buying an album for gig entry is a standard practice for signings at Rough Trade Records. The news comes as music retailer HMV was saved, and Nottingham, Leicester and Mansfield stores avoided closure.
Administrator Will Wright administrator said: “We are pleased to confirm this sale which, after a complex process, secures the continued trading of the majority of the business.
“Our immediate concern is now to support those employees that have unfortunately been made redundant.”
After the news this morning that HMV has been saved from administration we want to ask you a simple question❓
Do you still buy CDs?
— CBJ News (@CBJNews) February 5, 2019
Nottingham store FOPP, another brand purchased by Sunrise Records, also survives the announcement of one in five stores closing nationally.
Doug Putman, the new owner of HMV, told BBC Radio 4 that the “iconic” high street music chain will stay in the UK for a “long time”.
The long-term future of FOPP Records remains uncertain in Nottingham following the redevelopment of the INTU Broadmarsh.
