Mainman Wayne Hussey says: "30 bloody years! Who would have thought it, eh? As we were well renowned for our, ahem, lifestyle choices, shall we say, I remember Melody Maker ran an office pool betting which member of The Mission would die first.

"I seem to remember Mick Brown was the favourite, with yours truly running a close second. Well, we're still here, alive and well and still going strong. It seems to me that anyone who survives past the age of 50 in this business these days is given honorary legendary status. It's cheaply given, in my opinion, but we'll take it."

He continues: "I seriously never thought I'd see this day but 30 years is a remarkable achievement. Not one we could have achieved without the support and patronage of our brilliant audience. This celebration is for them as much as it is for our retirement funds."