Starting a band can be tough. Especially when the frontman is better known for a previous incarnation.

Rather than shy away from his musical past, however, ex-Shed Seven frontman Rick Witter is embracing it and unashamedly using it as a leg-up for his new band.

Rick Witter And The Dukes, about to go on their first major tour, are to play a few of Shed Seven's finest songs, as well as their own, original stuff.

"We're doing it for the fans, really, and to get that first bit of attention," says Rick. "It's not Shed Seven phase two but I'm aware a lot of fans will come along on the strength of my history.

"Eventually, we hope to phase out the Shed Seven stuff. At the end of the day, I am very talented and I deserve to be here - but it's a massive fight to get your stuff heard," he jokes.

Shed Seven anthems like Going For Gold, Getting Better, Disco Down and Chasing Rainbows are synonymous with the Brit-Pop era and turned Rick into a prince among indie singers.

After four studio albums and 15 top 40 hits, they split in December 2003 with a farewell tour finishing in their home town of York.

The Dukes (guitarist Rob Wilson, former Seahorses bass player Stuart Fletcher and drummer Matt Lunn) are also from York, so it seemed only right their debut gig should be in their home town too.

"We did a couple of low-key shows just to get used to playing together," says Rick. "The first night was really for our mates and, being mates, they just stood at the bar. The second night was much better."

Although slightly rockier than previous offerings, Rick's new material is "straight-ahead indie". "We're not worrying about things like a string accompaniment or sound effects, or anything else that seems to be in vogue," he says.

Rick is itching to get on the road for this 24-date tour, although he'll be leaving his wife and two young children behind.

"I've been preparing to do this for two years, so my family want to see the back of me now," he says. "Everything is going to be downsized this time around. We'll be in cheaper hotels, but we'll drink just as much beer and will have just as much fun."

Rick is proud of Shed Seven and is hungry to see that success again. But what would Rick of The Dukes say to Rick of Shed Seven?

"I'd ask him why the hell he split up such a brilliant band. Then we'd have a massive fight."

Starts at 7.30pm, tickets cost £10. Call 01273 673311