ARTS DIARY: Durutti Column back in Liverpool.

FACTORY Records alumni The Durutti Column come to Liverpool next week as part of a tour to promote their aptly-titled forthcoming album, Love In The Time of Recession.

It's now 30 years since Factory Records released the band's debut album The Return Of The Durutti Column.

Centered around pianist and guitarist Vini Reilly, the then five-piece band recorded two tracks for FAC-2 A Factory Sample, the first ever music release on Factory Records.

The story goes that Vini, not happy with the band or their recording, walked out because it was "complete and total rubbish".

Alan Erasmus and Tony Wilson persuaded Vini to return saying "you are the Durutti Column" and the rest is history. The band comes to Liverpool on February 19.

For their new album in April, Reilly drew on influences as diverse as Fats Waller, ambient and heavy metal; experimented with samplers and chamber music, and collaborated with other Manchester luminaries such as Morrissey and Peter Hook from New Order.

Tickets for Live Lounge @ Baby Blue (pounds 12adv, pounds 15 on door) can be bought through Liverpool Echo Arena on the ACC Live Hotline on 0844 8000 410 or www.accliverpool.com.

For more details on the band visit www.thedurutticolumn.com.