Monkeys scrap free booze plans

The Arctic Monkeys have been forced to scrap plans to have a free bar at their forthcoming Manchester concerts.

The Sheffield lads are performing at the Old Trafford cricket ground on July 28 and 29, and have invited scores of family and friends to watch them play. However, they have now handed out so many free tickets that free alcohol is no longer an option.

A source told The Sun: "The lads want these gigs to be a real party for everyone who has supported them. It is their send-off bash before flying to Australia on tour - a chance to say thanks.

"But so many friends have taken up their offer of free tickets they have now decided to scrap the free bar. They'll buy their mates a couple of drinks instead. Some of their pals have never seen a free bar and would be hell-bent on drinking it dry."