MEMBERS of Blackburn bands past and present came to King George’s Hall yesterday to see their groups’ names immortalised alongside rock and pop greats from The Beatles through David Bowie to Jake Bugg.

They stood proudly in the cold and rain as six grates were unveiled around trees outside the legendary music venue commemorating 60 years of the UK and the world’s greatest artists gracing its two stages.

Each marked a decade of performances at the hall from the Swinging Sixties to now.

Names such as Roy Orbison and Jerry Lee Lewis were recognised through Slade and the punk era to Jake Bugg and the Courteeners in recent years were local bands including The Four Pennies, The Stiffs, Bradford and current favourites Sky Valley Mistress.

The street art christened Musical Roots is part of the £3.8million Blakey Moor Townscape Heritage Project to regenerate the Northgate part of Blackburn town centre building on a previous project 1973 - When Bowie Came to Blackburn.

Ian ‘Strang’ Barnes from punk band The Stiffs, whose single Inside Out was a favourite of late night DJ John Peel, was delighted to be on the 70s grate.

As he saw that they were slotted in between The Jam and Siouxsie and The Banshees, the guitarist said: “I feel humbled. This is a great idea.

“We played here eight times supporting bands such as The Pogues and headlining concerts. It’s good company to be in.”

Ian H, lead singer of Bradford whose album Shouting Quietly has been described recently as a ‘lost classic’, was equally pleased to find his band on the 80s grate. He said: “I think it’s amazing to be on the list.”

Kayley Davies, lead singer of Sky Valley Mistress which features other grate for the 2010s, said: “I’m surprised we’re here but this is a great thing to be included in. It’s given the band its own little bit of immortality.”

Cllr Phil Riley, Blackburn with Darwen Council regeneration boss, said:”This recalls what a music hub King George’s Hall has been over the years.

He added: “Everybody used to play here. I chose Bellowhead but we missed out Chuck Berry so we’ll have to find a way of including him.”

Members of Blackburn bands The Illicits and The Burn also attended the unveiling.

The grates were designed by local typographical artist Stephen Caton.

Pete Eastwood, music producer and one of the selection team said: “King George’s is a great venue with a great history of music legends and touring bands gracing the stage, so it’s a very positive move to highlight these special nights and to tip our hats to the fabulous acts.”