Pub-goers in Carlisle can grab themselves a free pint today, thanks to ex-Housemartins and Beautiful South performer Paul Heaton.
The singer-songwriter is celebrating his 60th birthday by putting cash behind the bar at 60 pubs across the UK – including the Sportsman Inn in Carlisle.
Heaton, who wrote and sang Old Red Eyes is Back with the Beautiful South and was lead vocalist on hit Happy Hour with the Housemartins, which he also co-wrote, said: “To celebrate my 60th birthday I’d originally intended to do another bicycle tour, visiting and performing at 60 pubs across the UK and Ireland.
“However, due to recording delays caused by the pandemic, I’ve had to shelve these plans for the time being. Instead, I’ve decided that the next best way to celebrate this coming of age is to handpick 60 pubs across the UK and Ireland and put a given amount of money behind the bar of each one.
“Then, both regulars and yourselves can enjoy a birthday drink on me (until the money runs out, or the bar runs dry!).
“The hope is to bring people together on the day, whilst recognising that many folk who bought my records or showed me support over the years, could do with a wee party, as we come out of COVID and hit potential financial struggles.
“If there’s one near you please head over on Monday, show your support and raise a toast to me on my birthday!”
He shot to fame with the Hull-based Housemartins in the 1980s.
They had two successful albums and a number of hit singles, including a cover version of Caravan of Love which reached number one in the UK charts in December 1986.
After they split, he formed the Beautiful South in 1988.
The band became one of the biggest-selling UK acts of all time, releasing 15 albums over nine years, most of which went platinum or gold.
He now performs in a duo with Beautiful South bandmate Jacqui Abbott.
