Inspiral Carpets Tour Bus Collides on M74 Motorway, Two Hospitalised

The tour bus carrying Manchester band Inspiral Carpets was involved in a collision on the southbound carriageway of Scotland's M74 motorway in the early hours of Monday, August 24. The band was travelling back to England after finishing two Scottish shows. According to a statement from the band's spokesperson, all band members, crew and the bus driver were unharmed, while two people in the other vehicle sustained "minor injuries" and were taken to hospital. NME first reported the incident on August 27.

What happened

The band's statement said no one involved suffered serious injuries and that the matter is now with police, with the band declining further comment for the time being. The current Inspiral Carpets lineup is Clint Boon, Stephen Holt, Martyn Walsh and Oscar Boon.

The tour has not been disrupted. Inspiral Carpets' UK tour is continuing as scheduled, running through September 25, with the final date at Neuadd Ogwen in Bethesda.

Context: return with "Drag The Bag" and the 2023 reunion

In May this year, Inspiral Carpets released the single "Drag The Bag," their first new material in 12 years. The band had been on indefinite hiatus since the 2016 death of drummer Craig Gill, who joined the band founded by Clint Boon in 1986 at age 14, went through the band's 1990s heyday, and took part in recording the band's 2014 self-titled album Inspiral Carpets. At the time, Liam Gallagher, Stephen Holt and Manchester City Council were among those who publicly paid tribute.

The band has continued performing live since a reunion tour in spring 2023. In 2025, they also took part in the Manchester Merch Market, alongside fellow Manchester bands including New Order and The Charlatans.