AN artist has created a magnificent backdrop for the forthcoming Heaven 17 concert at the town’s iconic Plaza. 

The concert, promoted by Radio Northwich, takes place on August 12 with the aim of raising funds for the Breast Care Unit at Leighton Hospital.

The local radio station wanted to create a backdrop for the concert and Steve Coppock - otherwise known as Vincent The Magic Bus - kindly offered his services free of charge and swiftly developed a concept using the original cover from the group’s 1981 debut album Penthouse and Pavement. 

Steve has cleverly refreshed the album cover, utilising Northwich’s music venue as the new theme and showing the mellowed middle-aged rock stars whose lives are no longer as rebellious.

Northwich Guardian: A copy of the heaven 17 artworkA copy of the heaven 17 artwork

Glenn Gregory and Martin Ware of Heaven 17 loved it and the concept behind the painting, with Glenn saying: “We seem to have spent a lot of the last 40 years as painted characters, so it’s really nice to see an updated homage to our original Penthouse and Pavement artwork.

“If it’s still there on the day of the concert, I may well steal it! 

“Will it fit in my bag?”

One copy of the giant banner, depicting the artwork, is now on display at the rear of the Plaza with a second being used on the stage on the evening of the event.

Northwich Guardian: The artwork is on display at the rear of the PlazaThe artwork is on display at the rear of the Plaza

The painting is also displayed in the window at Radio Northwich as part of the annual Northwich Art trail. Prints of the painting or poster are available to purchase from Radio Northwich to help support the Simply the Breast charity fundraiser. The aim is to raise £50,000 so every print or poster sold will help Radio Northwich get closer to the target.

Several local businesses have contributed to the target, by sponsoring various items needed to get the concert arranged.

Heaven 17 will be supported by 80’s electronica cover band Electromantics and Mark Radcliffe’s UNE. 

A limited number of tickets for the concert remain and a final wave will be released through ticket agency Skiddle on Monday, July 4, priced at £35 and £45 plus booking fee.