Mavers 'to revive La's for album, tour'

Lee Mavers is planning to revive The La's with a new lineup to record the group's second album, 19 years after the release of their first.

Babyshambles bassist Drew McConnell told BBC 6 Music that he has joined the band in place of former member John Power, while the pair are said to be auditioning drummers and guitarists.

The new roster will play their first gig at Sheffield's Tramlines festival in July before embarking on a full UK tour.

McConnell, who played with Mavers at recent Pete Doherty shows, said: "At the end of that tour we're going to go in and record the second record, which is all written already.

"We just need to find a drummer and a guitar player that can nail it down the same way I have."

He added: "[Mavers] saw me playing double bass and asked me if he could have a jam with me.

"The next day he came round to my house. A month later he's still there...As a musician I feel really honoured. I must have done something good in a past life."

The La's reached number 13 in the charts with their re-released single 'There She Goes' in 1990 but only played intermittently after bassist Power left in 1992 to form Cast.

Power rejoined the band for a number of live dates in 2005, including a performance at that year's Glastonbury Festival.