Plug pulled on noisy band

They had been booked to publicise a new library music service - but the young band Paisley Riot were just a little too enthusiastic for shoppers at Wolverhampton's Wulfrun Centre.

The plug was pulled amid complaints that staff couldn't hear what their customers were saying, and reports of people fleeing for the exits.

The talented Brownhills band were less than half way through their six-song set when they were interrupted by a man in a suit, in the form of centre manager Colin Quinton.

Shoppers looked on as Mr Quinton then jumped on stage and put an end to proceedings.

The farce is an embarrassment for Wolverhampton Council, whose library service had organised the public concert to publicise its new service in which CDs of local bands are available to borrow.

The event, taking place in the centre's Piazza area, had already featured acts like the Transit Trix breakdance crew, who are based at Newhampton Arts Centre and artists Caroline 7 and Wilcox.

But when members of Paisley Riot started up, they were just too loud for the shopping centre and the Wulfrun management were swamped by complaints by shop owners that trade was being affected.

Musicians in the indie rock band, who have won several plaudits for their work and are hopeful of winning a record contract, said they were "gutted" that they weren't allowed to finish their set.

Drummer Rob Pallatina said: "We were scheduled to perform six songs and we had only just finished the second song when we were told to stop. We are gutted really because this was our chance to showcase our music in front of people who wouldn't normally get the chance to hear it."

Another band who were scheduled to appear after Paisley Riot, Bridge 55, were told they couldn't perform.

Mr Quinton said: "Unfortunately I had was the one who had to ask the band to stop playing myself and cut the event short.

"The reason for this was because the surrounding shops couldn't hear their own customers. It just got too much and it was affecting business.

"It is very unfortunate because of course we want to encourage local talent but we couldn't have foreseen the fact that it was going to have been a problem."

Staff from the Central Library organised the event as they prepare to launch the new music service, stocking CDs made by talented local bands.

City cabinet member for leisure, John Reynolds, said: "I'm very disappointed that the event had to be cut short after all the hard work and effort for the young people involved and library staff in organising it.

"The event had been booked for some time and the Wulfrun Centre were aware of the nature of the event and the fact there would be live music."