AMERICAN punk rock veterans Rancid have picked rising Rochdale punks The Fractions to support them on their worldwide tour.

The Fractions were picked through their myspace to play alongside the giants of punk when they stop off during the Sheffield leg of their tour.

The tour is to promote Rancid’s long awaited seventh album, and the venue is expected to be packed out with a capacity of almost 2,500.

Fractions guitarist Graeme Kershaw said: “It is a massive gig for us, Rancid are one of the biggest bands to ever come out of America and have sold millions of albums worldwide.  Rancid is a band that we all grew up listening to - every punk likes Rancid.

“I was surprised we got offered the slot because it’s usually signed bands that get these type of gigs. I’m a bit nervous about the gig, but hopefully everything will go smoothly and we can just chill out on stage.”

In addition to their high profile support slot, The Fractions are also proving that they’ve got the business brains to market their ballsy brass edged punk sound launching their own webstore.

The webstore features the Fractions brand of CDs and T-shirts including their recently released split EP with fellow punk and roll band Revenge on the Psychotronic Man.

Already receiving air play on an American radio station, self-funding gigs around the UK and the production of their soon to be released debut album The Fractions are proving their determination to promote their music without relying on a record label.

The Fractions will be taking the stage alongside punk heroes Rancid on Friday 7 November at the Carling Academy, Arudel Gate, Sheffield.

For more information visit www.thefractions.bigcartel.com or www.myspace.com/thefractions.