John Robb, former Membranes frontman, Louder Than War editor and all-round Manchester doyen, has announced a new live show on July 20 at the city's Gorilla venue featuring new songs from The Membranes set to a film about the origins and workings of the universe.

The idea came about when Robb met and became friends with the head of the Higgs Boson project and, fascinated by the new goings on in that field of scientific research, decided it would be the perfect material for a gig.

Along with Manchester artist Michael Trainor and with Steve Hanley, former bassist for The Fall, joining The Membranes for the night, Robb will be conducting science and art experiments, aiming to "both explain the complex ideas about the origins of the universe, turn the audience into sub-atomic particles and accelerate them through brilliant music, film and conversation".

Say Robb and Trainor: "We aim to blow your mind AND explain everything you needed to know about the universe in one incredible gig [...] The Universe: Explained ventures into the unknown territory between one of those late night Open University lectures in the 1970s and an experimental art happening – fast, exciting, original and not a little mind blowing".

For full details, head to the event's website and Facebook page and get hold of tickets here.