CON’S decided to head for sunnier climes for the next year having got a job on the Bangkok Post (no, really!).

Jetting off in June, Con’s last gigs with Merchandise, for the time being, will be in Manchester at the Life Cafe on 19th May and in Bolton at the Dog and Partridge on 27th May.

Don’t fret just yet though, Merchandise are not over and done! Paul Swannell will be taking over piano detail and will be making his debut at the Night and Day in Manchester on Friday 2nd June.

All these gigs will be great. Con’s send-offs and Paul’s inauguration are sure to be classics not to be missed …