A popular live music venue in Oldham is appealing to rock fans after a special 'one night only' event with a founding member of Thin Lizzy sells just a handful of tickets.

Whittles at Tokyo, which has long stood as Oldham's very own iconic live music venue in the town centre showcases the best of the best, tribute acts and amateur talent across its indoor and outdoor stages.

Earlier this year, bosses were excited to announce Eric Bell, one of the founding members of Thin Lizzy, would be headlining its stage in January 2024.

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The 'one night only' event will give fans the opportunity to see the very talented Eric Bell perform alongside the band, John Angus, in a double headline act.

The night promises to see 'the Eric Bell Trio' perform classic songs from his early days with Thin Lizzy, plus songs from his more recent acclaimed album.

Lisa and Martin Standley, who took over the music venue in summer, said they feel "very privileged" that the acts chose their venue for the night.

However, the rock blues band, John Angus, has revealed only 18 tickets have been sold.

In a statement, the band said: "A few months back, I agreed to do a doubleheader with Eric Bell, one of the founding members of Thin Lizzy at Whittles Oldham on Thursday, January 18.

"I am personally really excited to appear on the same bill and meet a genuine artist."

But the band dubbed the pre-sale as a "non-starter" and warned if more tickets weren't sold by the end of December to at least 60, "then it will have to be pulled".

Ideally, the band said they would like 100 attendees and that they recently performed to 120 at other local venues.

Tickets are just £10 for the show in January and can be purchased behind the bar or via the link.

They added: "We have played all over the country and to date enjoyed really great turnouts, so it would be a shame to abandon what should be a great gig.

"Today we hear lots of reasons why people don't turn out. It happens to lots of bands, even further up the pecking order than us.

"As I see it, if people don't want to see you then they have their reasons and we can't force them.

"However, if you are interested in coming, then please get your ticket now. Simple as that.

"I do know some of our fans have yet to buy and some are planning a minibus from Stockport - fingers crossed.

"We will, by then, have a brand new album out currently in the studio and I'd love to share the songs with you, Oldham and beyond."

With just three weeks until the decision to pull the show will be made, Whittles at Tokyo added to the appeal: "It would be such a shame if it had to be cancelled.

"If you were thinking of coming, get your tickets now to avoid this happening."