THE owner of the Newport shop that has inspired GLC’s comeback single, Baneswell Express, said he was flattered by the song.

Raj Sabir, 29, owner of the Baneswell Shop on Baneswell Road praised the song saying it was “awesome” and has “a really cool video”.

The song, on the Newport rap band’s sixth studio album, Kings of Caerleon, talks about its home-made sandwiches and pies, among many other things.

“It is great they have done this about the shop” he added.

Band member Johnny Rutledge aka Eggsy, 37, from Newport, said the band was really happy with the new album.

“We have had a good response from people,” he said.

“When people in Newport appreciate it is great.”

Mr Rutledge said the song Baneswell Express, which will be released on July 1, was inspired by hip-hop legend Biz Markie’s song Albee Square Mall, a song about a shopping mall in Brooklyn, New York.

Two of GLC’s band members, Adam and Grayham used to live next door to the shop which, “lots of wicked people” use.

He said: “If the Biz can write a tune dedicated to a shopping mall in New York, then guaranteed we can spread some love about a convenience store in Newport.”

The band are set to tour with their new album, with their original line up featuring Maggot, Mystikal, Eggsy, Adam Hussain, 2hats, P.Xain, Grayham the Bear, and Billy Webb will be returning to the stage to perform their new album, Kings of Caerleon, as well as all the classics.

The tour celebrates 10 years of the satirical hip-hop band’s first gig played in Cardiff.

Tickets for the gigs go on sale June 21 and cost £12 plus booking fee.

To order tickets visit stereoboard.com Rhys Hutchings, councillor for the St Julians ward on Newport City Council and GLC member P.Xain, was unable to comment as the Argus went to press on how his role as a councillor might affect the tour.

Flyscreen make comeback with Newport County classic

ANOTHER Newport band is making a comeback with a re-recorded version of their 1996 football anthem.

Flyscreen have re-recorded Carl Zeiss Jena to celebrate two sporting milestones.

The song was first released on the band’s Size Five Leather EP and tells the story of Newport County’s 1981 journey into European football. The Welsh side reached the quarter finals of the European Cup Winners’ Cup, only to be narrowly beaten over two legs by Jena.

Now the County have made it back into the football league after a 25-year absence, in the year that Jena celebrates its 110th anniversary.

The song is available through iTunes and Amazon, in time for Newport’s upcoming friendly against Jena in July, a full 32 years on from that original game.