SOME of the hottest names in the music business will ensure that two Wolverhampton venues pull in the crowds in the first part of 2002.

Nickleback and Birmingham band Ocean Colour Scene are two of the names booked in to play Wolverhampton Civic Hall and Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall in the next few months.

Ocean Colour Scene, comprising Simon Fowler (vocals), Steve Cradock (lead guitar), Damon Minchella (bass), and Oscar Harrison (drums), will be taking to the stage at the Civic Hall, in North Street, on Monday, February 18.

The band, best known for their killer album Moseley Shoales, have had their profile catapulted back into the limelight during the past two years.

Viewers who used to watch Chris Evans' TFI Friday TV programme will most likely remember Ocean Colour Scene's The Riverboat Song, which was played every week.

The band, who have been described as resembling neo-mod R&B outfits such as The Jam and The Faces, have also supported ex-Jam member Paul Weller.

They formed in 1989 from what was left of a band called The Fanatics and gigged constantly around The Midlands before signing up with an indie label.

Their latest album, Mechanical Wonder, was released in 2001.

Tickets for the Wolverhampton gig cost £18.50 in advance from the box office on 01902 552121.

Rock band Nickleback, who have been described as entertaining and energetic, will be playing Wulfrun Hall, in North Street, on Wednesday, March 13.

The four-piece band, who originate from Hanna, Canada, comprise brothers Chad Kroeger (vocals and guitar), Mike Kroeger, (bass), Ryan Peaker (guitar) and Mitch Gandau (drums).

They formed the band in 1996 and have since enjoyed a successful recording career.

Among the bands they have toured and performed with are Noise Therapy, Twisted Sister and Stabbing Westward.

Tickets cost £10 on 01902 552121.

It is not too late for Atomic Kitten fans who haven't got their claws into tickets yet, to catch the girls live.

Wolverhampton Civic Hall officials recently confirmed there were still tickets left for an appearance by the biggest girl group in the UK.

After a No 1 album Right Now, two massive No 1 singles, Whole Again and Eternal Flame, the band are set to play the Civic Hall on Thursday, March 14.

The girls, who have had massive success in Europe, Australia, South Africa and the Far East, came onto the scene in late 1999 with their debut single Right Now, which jumped straight into the UK Top 10.

A main support slot for the recently departed Steps helped the single to establish the band as one of the most successful groups of 2000.

In just two years, Atomic Kitten have blasted their way into the national pop psyche at a time when virtually all people who love pop music had given up on having anything new and interesting to get their teeth into.

Tickets cost £16.50 from Midland Box Office on 01902 552121. Lines are open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm.