So we all know that Liverpool generated a British rock revolution, led of course by the Beatles, that changed the course of history, right? But have you ever wondered: if Liverpool was so cool, how come the Beatles had to go to Hamburg and work like dogs before they got any real recognition?

If Liverpool did that then, which world-shattering musical messiahs are we squeezing away from this city of money-obsessed drones and artless pissheads? No one knows, of course. But one day I could be boasting to my nephews and nieces when they ask me what it was like to be around in Hong Kong before Velvette Vendetta conquered the universe.

I was lucky enough to be in the Fringe recently when they set up on stage with their massive glitter-splattered hairdos and exploded into sound. “My influences are classical music and gothic rock,” vocalist Jacky unashamedly told me.

Indeed if the Sisters of Mercy hadn’t been too embarrassed to admit to a secret liking for glam rock, they too could have been as entertaining as these Hongkongers.

But in the present climate they are struggling to get the recognition they deserve. “It’s very limited in Hong Kong,” Jacky tells me. “I feel like there’s not much room for us to go further here.”

Along with other local bands like Born to Hula and Innisfallen, they are looking for gigs abroad. “We’re looking at places [in] Southeast Asia – Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan – where they have a healthier scene.” But he thinks that a regular festival could improve things in Hong Kong.

The Rockit festival made a brave start in 2003 but there was no sign of it by last year. Then came Harbour Fest, for which politicians threw millions at businessmen who had only heard of the world’s most famous artists, and totally screwed up.

So Jacky’s not confident. “Hong Kong is such a ‘sales’ city. It’s very commercial. It’s almost impossible to do a festival in Hong Kong.”

I hope for the sake of keeping his talents active in this city that he’s wrong. Just as the scousers were wrong about Lennon and McCartney, until the Germans pointed out the obvious.

Velvette Vendetta plays at Backstage Live for ‘Take Back the Noise’ on Saturday 30.