A Macclesfield rock duo have released a new song.

Local band The Virginmarys have released the single WHERE ARE YOU NOW?

The Virginmarys, who regularly perform gigs in Macclesfield despite touring the continent, have released their first new piece of music this year.

According to frontman Ally Dickaty, "WHERE ARE YOU NOW? is a song about abandonment, the realisation of being totally alone," he said.

"Throughout my life I've had a belief hovering in the background that there was a presence or force watching over me.

"In 2020 I fell very unwell, I have never been so ill in my life and thought I was possibly on my way out. It's a song of despair, the realisation of my own mortality and how close that can be."

The band, which 33,000 people listen to on Spotify every month, also celebrated the 10th anniversary of their debut album earlier this year.

The accompanying music video for WHERE ARE YOU NOW? is a remake-parody based on John Hughes' 1989 classic film Planes, Trains and Automobiles.

Drummer Danny Dolan added: "When me and Ally first met at music college the love we both shared for this movie was the first thing we realised we had in common and could literally reel the script off by heart."

"Years on I realised similarities to the main two characters in relation to the journey me and Ally have been through being in a band together on tour was so strongly mirrored.

"In the movie Del and Neil are constantly travelling around from motel to motel all the while struggling to with their luggage and belongings, in particular Del's heavy ton chest.

"Tensions build between the two throughout the movie and it's a total love/hate relationship that forms. I think the concept totally mirrored what we and probably most bands go through especially in the current climate we find the music industry in.

"Some days you remember why you're doing it, why you're still in the game, other days you just simply. cannot stand the sight of each other!"

The new single is a taste of what to come with a planned new album release in the works set for 2024.

The Virginmarys are currently out on a mammoth two-month support tour of Europe and the UK with The Sisters of Mercy.

The local band, which honed their craft performing at Macclesfield's Trackside Studios, will celebrate their 15th anniversary next year.

You can listen to the new track - and watch the Hollywood-inspired video - at the top of this article.

Click the red links to find more about the Macclesfield band: Facebook, YouTube.com, Instagram, X, Spotify.

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