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Middleton's best-known band set to return

Mike Glendinning
20/12/2002

FOLLOWING a nationwide Vodafone advertising campaign, the best-known pop product to hail from Middleton is set to make a return to the airwaves.

The Mock Turtles played their last gig more than three years ago, and all but disappeared from the nation's consciousness. Now, after the adverts that show David Beckham annoying other people with his mobile phone, the Turtles are making a welcome return.

We spoke to singer Martin Coogan about the resurgence in his band's popularity and his plans for the near future. Martin, brother of comedian Steve, now lives in Crumpsall, and following a remix by legendary DJ Fatboy Slim, his best-known track, Can You Dig It? is about to be rereleased.

Martin said: "The advertising company approached me and said that Can You Dig It? is one of those instantly recognisable tunes, and wanted to use it for their Vodafone campaign. They liked it and I was more than happy for them to use it. I'm actually buying a new house on the strength of it very soon."

Martin hasn't stopped writing and recording music, and has worked with Steve on various numbers for Tony Ferrino, the Latino love-crooner, and Moston comic Smug Roberts for his Meat Pie, Sausage Roll ditty.

Following the release at the end of January, the reformed Turtles will release a new album in March. The line-up is slightly different, as original drummer Steve Cowen has given up the rock n' roll lifestyle and become a teacher.

The new album will be a mixture of tracks old and new, and Martin says the Middleton indie favourites have "loads of new songs", and that they're now at the final recording stages.

"I think our fans are gonna enjoy the new material. I 'd say they're some of the best songs I have ever written, and I'm really proud of them."