Rockers 3 Colours Red are picking up where they left off after going their separate ways three years ago. Original members Pete Vuckovic, Chris McCormack and Keith Baxter have been joined by guitarist Paul Grant for a reunion tour that visits Birmingham's Bar Academy tomorrow and Wolverhampton's Little Civic on Wednesday. Splitting in 2001 due to 'musical differences', the band re-formed last year for comeback single Repeat To Fade. Now they're touring to promote new album Union Of Souls, released on July 5 on Mighty Atom Records, home of Funeral For A Friend and Hondo Maclean. They're hoping to add to their roll of honour that includes two top 20 albums and eight top 40 singles. Bassist Pete Vuckovic formed 3 Colours Red with guitarist Chris McCormack in 1995, the duo initially writing songs by sending ideas to each other through the post. When it became clear that the pair had something good going on they met up in London, enlisting drummer Keith Baxter and guitarist Ben Harding along the way. They quickly established themselves on the local scene, self-releasing a limited-edition single, 1996's This Is My Hollywood, and building a loyal following. Netting spots opening for Iggy Pop and the Sex Pistols' reunion tour that same year brought the quartet yet more recognition. However, the real turning point for 3 Colours Red came after attracting the attention of Creation Records' legendary Alan McGee, famed for his stable of ultracool Britpop discoveries, including Oasis. McGee is reported to have said that 3 Colours Red were his favourite band. The subsequent release of raucous debut album Pure in 1997 earned 3 Colours Red top 20 status in their homeland and threw them into the spotlight. The band rode the wave of popularity with aplomb, taking time to support Bush on tour before settling down to write their second record. Recruiting Manic Street Preachers' producer Dave Eringa, they sought diversity by bringing a broader, deeper scope to their trademark hard-edged tone. By the time the album, Revolt, hit the streets, 3 Colours Red had not only managed to hold their status at home, but also began to make waves on American radio. They even landed an opening spot on shock-rocker Marilyn Manson's European tour and Silverchair's US tour in 1999. But all was not well in the 3 Colours Red camp and in 2001 Vuckovic announced: "For some time now we have been pulling in different directions musically and rather than make an album that we don't all believe in we have come to the conclusion that it is best to call it a day." But they only managed to stay away for two years. Newly invigorated they returned last year with the Repeat To Fade single. It may feel like they're starting all over again but it's a challenge they intend to face head on. | 
