Tom Hingley, English singer, songwriter, guitarist and author best known as frontman of the indie band Inspiral Carpets, will perform solo at the Firefly in Oakengates, Telford on Friday 16 October 2026. The show is supported by Rory Black, a Midlands musician.
With Inspiral Carpets from 1989 to 2011, Hingley achieved 15 UK Top 40 singles and toured internationally, becoming a key figure in the 1990s 'Madchester' scene centred on the Hacienda Club. During his music career he collaborated with the Manchester band James and performed on stage in London with Ian Dury's band The Blockheads.
Hingley has since pursued a solo career, releasing albums including Keep Britain Untidy, Thames Valley Delta Blues and The Grand Mal. He also formed The Lovers and The Kar-Pets, published the memoir Carpet Burns, and taught Music Business Studies at UK universities.
Louder Than War magazine praised Carpet Burns for its "atmospheric and colourful depiction of the Madchester movement, with Hingley's candid and unflinching tone", while Record Collector described it as "a page-turner full of anecdotes and memories".
Rory Black is a singer-songwriter from the Midlands who writes songs about growing up, love and related themes, blending classic songwriting with a fresh perspective.
Gemma Duce, Manager of the Firefly, said: "I'm really pleased to be working with Not-for-Profit Music Promoters Pale Fire Music & Left for Dead Records to bring this show to the Firefly. During our collaboration with them, we've staged an eclectic mix of touring UK & US artists who would not normally have shown interest in bringing their tours to Telford."
Advance tickets are £10.00 plus booking fee, available from Skiddle.com and Ticketstelford.com. On-the-door tickets are £12.00 plus booking fee if paying by card. Doors open at 7:30pm.
