IT’S been an uncertain few months for Welsh post-hardcore band The Blackout and their legions of devoted fans, the so-called ‘Riot Squad’.

In October last year Gavin Butler, one of the band’s two vocalists, was struck down by a hemiplegic migraine during the band’s set at Manchester Academy 2. The serious neurological problem can affect motor skills, including speech, and result in loss of sensation in certain limbs, and Gavin was ordered to take a break to recover.

It’s been a frustrating time for the frontman, keen as he was to take the tunes from the band’s fourth album, Start The Party, out on the road for fans. But as the upbeat singer told me, he’s working his way back up to fighting fit, and the band are more than ready to start the party on their rescheduled ‘Final Party’ tour dates with him back at the helm.

“It’s good to be back, what happened last year was extremely frustrating for us,” he said. “I felt like I was letting the side down really. I haven’t quite got the all-clear but I’ve pretty much got things under control.

“The last year has just flown by... It was a bit quiet for us, we did one tour, released the album, and then obviously did only half a tour at the end of the year!”

Despite their break and having to reschedule dates, the band can count on the support of their devoted fans.

Gavin said: “It’s just cool to have [really supportive fans], there’s a bit of a family vibe; a lot of them come to a number of the shows and people meet up with people from coming to the shows, and make friends. Some of those friendships have lasted as long as the band has been playing. Our shows are just a cool place to come, hang out with your friends and hear some great music.”

With a solid string of albums under their belts, and the raucous, rocking tunes of Start The Party still relatively fresh for band and fans alike, The Blackout promise to bring their customary high-octane show to Sub89 on Sunday – although for Gavin, the party will mostly be confined to onstage.

“[For these shows] we’ll just be having a blast and doing what we do really,” he said, admitting, “I was told to take it a bit easier on this tour, cut down on the old booze for a bit. I’m getting too old for this s*** anyway, I’m feeling it in the mornings!”

The Blackout play Sub89 on Sunday. Support comes from Lostalone and Rat Attack. Tickets cost £13 from www.sub89.com

LIZ CROSTHWAITE