Even when Gossip were a little known queer punk band based in Portland, Oregan, there was one undeniable fact that preceded their name even then – their formidable reputation as a live act beyond compare. Led by sensationally gifted soul vocalist Beth Ditto, complemented by the jaggedly intuitive playing of guitarist Brace Paine and rock-solid drummer Hannah Blilie, the trio built their loyal fanbase from the ground up, and Beth shone like a star in the dingiest basement. If you were lucky enough to be there, way back at the Camden Underworld or Buffalo Bar, then we don't need to elaborate – Gossip are one of the world's very best live bands. End of.

Now the calibre of act that plays the mainstage at enormo-festivals like Reading/Leeds and enjoys the privilege of headlining the John Peel stage at 2007's Glastonbury among so many live highlights, Gossip are set to release their first ever live album, recorded in 2007 in Liverpool, UK.

Featuring all the hits from Standing In The Way of Control and Movement plus Beth's signature lesbian-love song 'Swing Low' from their debut album That's Not What I Heard, there are also two of the band's acutely rendered cover versions, 'Are U That Somebody?' by Aaliyah, and George Michael’s 80s classic, 'Careless Whisper'.

While the band continue working on new material, they will return to launch their live album with one show only in London:

Friday 21st March 2008
THE GOSSIP plus guests
Shepherd's Bush Empire, Shepherd's Bush Green, London, W12 8TT
Box Office: 0844 477 2000 (24hrs). shepherds-bush-empire.co.uk
Tickets £16.50 [adv]

Live In Liverpool tracklisting:
1) Eyes Open (taken from Standing in the Way of Control album)
2) Yr Mangled Heart (taken from Standing in the Way of Control album)
3) Swing Low (taken from That's Not What I Heard album)
4) Are U That Somebody? (Aaliyah cover)
5) Fire/Sign (taken from Movement album)
6) Coal To Diamonds (taken from Standing in the Way of Control album)
7) Jealous Girls (taken from Standing in the Way of Control album)
8) Keeping You Alive (taken from Standing in the Way of Control album)
9) Don't Make Waves (taken from Movement album)
10) Yesterday's News (taken from Movement album)
11) Standing In The Way Of Control (taken from Standing in the Way of Control album)
12) Listen Up! (taken from Standing in the Way of Control album
13) Careless Whisper (George Michael cover)