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A CONTROVERSIAL rock band which defaced an image of the Last Supper by imposing a picture of Hitler's head onto a disciple's body will play in Barnsley tomorrow.

'This is Menace' has been booked by a group of young music enthusiasts to perform at the Metrodome and about 2,000 are expected to attend.

The band is a 'supergroup' made up of members from 19 'hard-core' heavy metal bands, including Funeral for a Friend, Napalm Death and Killing Joke.

Artwork on the group's new album sparked controversy because it features a re-creation of the Last Supper of Christ. But the disciples' heads have been replaced with images, purporting to represent iconic faces of good and evil.

Many distributors in Europe refused to stock the album saying it was offensive and blasphemous. Images of Adolf Hitler, Josef Stalin, Bill Gates and Princess Diana are among those on the album sleeve. Jesus' face has been replaced with a picture of a two-headed calf.

A group called 'Barnsley Music Extreme' has booked 'This is Menace' to play. Ex-squaddie Steve Green, 29, retired from the forces after he suffered a serious injury. He now works voluntarily with the 14-16-year-olds who make up the 'Extreme' group to promote concerts.

He said money raised by regular gigs at the Arches pub, Pitt Street, had helped pay for 'This is Menace'. "I got involved with young people and got the Extreme Collective going," said Steve. "I thought Barnsley did not cater for young people into extreme music.

"A group of 14-16-year-olds has put on the gig for 2,000 people. They have done it because they are passionate about the Barnsley music scene. I am proud if them all, big time.

"There are only eight teenagers who have done this and they have worked every day on it." Local bands including 'And White Stars', 'First Class Tickets' and 'Revenance' will also be playing at tomorrow's gig.