A ROCK star who was part of the ‘Madchester’ scene of the 1990s was the surprise guest at Slaithwaite Guitar School’s annual concert.

Tom Hingley, the former lead singer of The Inspiral Carpets, performed with the students.

Hingley was a contemporary of the likes of The Happy Mondays and Oasis.

Many of the school’s students were big fans at the time. And the school’s proprietor Dave Whitaker was able to pull a few strings.

Hingley’s appearance was the highlight of the annual concert night at Slaithwaite Conservative Club. The event is aimed at developing the talents of students and allows them to perform in front of family and friends.

Normally this involves individual students and vocalists performing a number of rehearsed sets, covering rock, pop and soul genres and featuring many classic songs.

This year students have combined lessons with regular trips to Manchester to see the ‘Madchester’ venues which were rocking in the 90s.

Hingley’s visit was a closely-guarded secret and it was only when he took the stage that students and audience alike realised what a special night they were in for.

Hingley performed a set of his songs including the Inspirals’ hit Saturn 5 before returning to the stage later in the evening to perform the well-known Inspirals’ classic This Is How It Feels with full support from several stunned students, who had been rehearsing the song for months not realising that they would be performing it with the original artist!