NORTH-EAST rock guitarist Pete Shoulder will be back in the region soon to launch a national tour promoting his band's first album.

Everything in Moderation, by Winterville, will be on sale on Monday, November 14.

On Thursday, November 17, the band will play the first of 11 dates at the Carling Academy, in Westgate Road, Newcastle.

The 12-track disc, recorded over two years, follows the release of acclaimed singles, the latest of which, Under My Skin, entered the rock singles chart at 39.

Shoulder, 21, from Waldridge Fell, near Chester-le-Street, County Durham, started gigging at 13, twice played at the Stanley Blues Festival and sold out Durham's Gala Theatre in 2002 with his former band.

The musician, singer and songwriter, who was signed to Sony for a time, won acclaim in the region for the blues rock style he learned from listening to his father's record collection.

He played on a couple of tracks on the latest album of veteran US blues musician Little Milton.

His music is now heavier and has won fans nationally and is attracting interest from heavy rock magazines.

The album features new versions of some songs that have been released on singles and EPs.

The Newcastle gig starts at 7pm and tickets are £5, available on 0870 771 2000 or at www.newcastle-academy.co.uk

Further information about the band is available at www.wintervilleonline.com

Group pledges FM rock music

A BROADCASTING group is pledging to launch a regional rock station if it secures the latest commercial FM licence for North-East.

The Chrysalis Radio Group, which runs dance music station Galaxy, said it would offer the sort of music played by its digital station The Arrow and would run an annual award to promote bands.

The firm said its research showed a gap in the market for an adult rock station. Daniel Owen, of the Chrysalis Radio Group, said that if the bid was successful, The Arrow's national digital network would move to Newcastle.

The firm behind the successful TV quiz show Who Wants To Be a Millionaire? is also bidding for the licence and promising a Radio Two-style station.

Other bids are expected and a decision on who gets the licence will be taken by the Office of Communications.