WHEN the Beatles played a rooftop gig in 1969, they hit headlines across the world.

Then U2 did the same in Dublin in 2000, helping Bono and his crew further cement their places in history.

Now bands in Bolton can emulate the greatest -- bosses at the Life Bar Cafe in Nelson Square plan to open their roof terrace in the summer and allow groups to strut their stuff.

Manager Richard Ryan, aged 34, is banging the drum for local talent and says he wants as many Bolton bands as possible to play at his bar.

He said the roof terrace was not being used and he would like to see live music there.

He also floated the idea of the entire square being closed during the summer so that bands could play there.

Bands have complained of a lack of venues for live music in the area.

Even Radio One star DJ Steve Lamacq added his voice to the complaints. The BBC presenter, who was in town last year for a Radio One event, said he was "shocked" the town had so few venues at which bands could play.

Mr Ryan is kick-starting live music in his bar with Motown group Stax of Soul on February 25. Two weeks later, a pop band called Hypnosis will play. But Mr Ryan is more interested in using local talent. He said: "I want bands to send me demo tapes, biographies, the lot. I want the cream of local talent to play here because I know it's out there."

Life Bar Cafe holds 800 people and Mr Ryan said he had a stage which would be put up in front of the venue's food bar, next to the dance floor. The music nights would run on Wednesdays. Mr Ryan also has plans for comedy nights on Mondays.

Mr Ryan moved from London to Bolton 15 years ago and has worked at some of the town's most well-known venues including Atlantis Nightclub, Astley Bridge, and Hawthorns, now called Indigo. Cathy Savage, Town Centre Manager, said: "Something like Life Bar Cafe's plan would have my full support.

"I would love to see something a little bit different in Bolton and I wish Mr Ryan the best of luck."

Atlantis Nightclub has had live bands in the past, including Girl's Aloud, members of the controversial So Solid Crew and Busted, who performed at the venue for ITV1's CD:UK.