A band led by an Oldhamer as the frontman is celebrating its 40th anniversary by going on tour.

Stax of Soul formed four decades ago in 1983 but is still going strong as they recreate the best from the catalogues of Stax, Atlantic, Motown and Northern Soul, along with tributes to James Brown and the Blues Brothers.

Oldham frontman Stuart Widdall continues to lead the band’s performances as himself and the rest of the band relish each gig they play.

Stuart said: "The soul music we all love has kept us going of course, but we also feel it's also a great achievement to be still out there after 40 years.

"When we see the excitement of our audiences, and the enjoyment on their faces, we feel like we'd like to carry on for another 40 years.

The Oldham Times: Stax of Soul is celebrating four decades of performingStax of Soul is celebrating four decades of performing (Image: Simon Smedley PR)

"We get so many great comments after our gigs, and people tell us how happy they are that we're still going.

"The dynamic might be changing in that a few of the venues we used to play aren't there any more, but we still love what we're doing and will always put on a brilliant show."

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Stax of Soul performed at venues throughout the 1980s, 1990s and into the early 2000s, often playing at places such as the Willows in Salford and Quaffers in Bredbury.

However, these two venues, along with many others, closed down over the years and the nine-piece band called it a day in 2011.

The Oldham Times: The nine-piece band plays soul, Atlantic and Motown musicThe nine-piece band plays soul, Atlantic and Motown music (Image: Simon Smedley PR)

However, six years later in 2017, the band reformed and returned to performing.

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Now, the band is celebrating its 40th anniversary by playing a host of live shows.

The Oldham Times: The band are performing gigs across the North West this yearThe band are performing gigs across the North West this year (Image: Simon Smedley PR)

Some upcoming dates have sold out, but Stax of Soul can still be seen at the Stockport Plaza, Middleton Arena, the Playhouse 2 Theatre in Shaw, Darwen Library Theatre and The Hough End Centre, Chorlton, as well as numerous other venues across the North West.

Tickets can be bought on the band's website, www.staxofsoul.co.uk.