LIVE music is being kept alive and well with the launch of a new venue in the heart of Bolton.

Kico.Rocks is the latest live music venue to hit the town centre and aims to reignite the glory years - and nights - locals once enjoyed at the likes of Oscars, Crown and Cushion, Sparrows and other popular haunts of the early 90s.

The night is being run by the former landlord of former Farnworth-based rock venue Moses Gate, which closed last month.

However Ray's determination to see the music scene kept alive in Bolton saw him go on a mission to find a new venue for a fresh venture.

Teaming up with the Flying Flute and Kico Club in Bradshawgate, he went on to launch Kico.Rocks on which celebrated its opening night on Friday, April 8.

He said: "All major quality tribute, cover and original bands will be performing at this brilliant new venue.

"We just need the live music lovers of Bolton to come and set the atmosphere and tone for this new place. Without them we can never become what we can be - Kico.Rocks, the number one live music venue in the North West and beyond. Well, hopefully!"

Ray, aged 59, ran the Moses Gate for 20 years and it developed a big reputation for hosting a range of live events, from local bands to rock tribute acts and music festivals.

However, he decided to move on after the building had "fallen into disrepair" and has taken on the role of manager for Kico.Rocks with the aim of putting on live music which will bring in the crowds as it once did at Moses Gate.

Kico.Rocks - pronounced “key co (dot) rocks” - is a rebranding of the Kico Club and was launched by Red Hot Chili Peppers tribute band, The Hot Red Chili Peppers.

Coming up next is tribute arts Bon Jovi Forever, joined by The Kill, on Friday, followed by Muse Inc on Saturday, Crowded House and Beautiful South tribute, Crowded South, on Friday, April 29, and Mr Clean - Sounds of the Jam on April 30, with more acts lined up for May.

The venue is open from 8.30pm with all gigs pay on door unless stated otherwise.