A BOURNEMOUTH act will play at the O2 Academy later this month - and they say they are the first hard rock act from the town to headline their home arena.

South of Salem will offer a performance filled with 'explosions, confetti and fire.'

The show, which is already 70% sold out, will be supported by InMe.

They are performing at the O2 in Boscombe on January 20.

The band is using the concert to promote the launch of their second album, 'Death of the Party,' which they hope will reach the UK's top 40.

South of Salem was formed in 2019, although the band members have been playing together for over ten years.

The band is made up of five friends: Kodi Kasper (guitar), Joey (lead singer), Dee (bassist), Denis (guitar) and James, who plays the drums.

Kodi said: "We are the first rock band from Bournemouth to ever headline at the O2, which is pretty exciting for the local music scene."

He added: "Fans can expect our biggest stage show to date. We are going the whole nine yards.

"We are not here to just stand and play; we want to put on a show for everybody."

South of Salem released their first album, 'The Sinner Takes It All' in 2020 and have toured around the UK Three times.

In 2023, they ended the year with their first-ever UK headline tour, where they played nine venues and sold them all out.

The band is influenced by rock bands like AC/DC mixed with modern heavy death metal.

Kodi said: "A lot of our lyrics are inspired by horror movies, which makes us quite original."

During lockdown, the band released a song and video in support of suicide awareness for their friend who took his life during the pandemic.

South of Salem's most streamed song, 'A Cold Day in Hell', has over one million streams and is available on all streaming sites.

Kodi commented: "Our dream is to make a living from our art.

"It is tough to imagine that dream, but we think if we work hard enough, it could happen for us."

To find links for upcoming shows and pre-order tickets, visit www.southofsalem.com