IT'S 30 years since Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark made their music debut on stage at Liverpool's legendary punk club Eric's.

To celebrate, the legendary electro-pop band from Meols are on a UK tour this Autumn and will play the Liverpool Echo Arena on Friday, October 3.

Co-founder Andy McCluskey, 49, has lived in Wirral most of his life and still calls the peninsula his home.

He told the Globe: "I'm certainly shocked and surprised that I'm still doing music after all this time.

"I can recall sitting in the White Lion pub in West Kirby with an old school friend when I was 21 and saying If I'm still in the music industry at 25, shoot me! It's funny how things turn out.

"In one respect we've been very fortunate to have sold lots of records, and there still seems to be some interest in us. There are some quite groovy things coming out this year."

The group was formed by Andy and his schoolmate Paul Humphreys, who were inspired by German band Kraftwerk.

In the late 80s, the band was enjoying huge chart success with a string of hits including the now iconic Enola Gay, Talking Loud and Clear, and their signature song Maid of Orleans.

Last year, they played the Liverpool Empire and Summer Pops to celebrate the re-release of their album Architecture & Morality.

Andy, who also co-managed Atomic Kitten and wrote some of their biggest hits including the multi-platinum single Whole Again, said: "We were quite nervous before the tickets went on sale last year, because we hadn't played for such a considerable time and weren't too sure whether people would still be interested. So it was a great relief that we sold so many tickets.

"We started with 13 concerts and ended up with 39 because things went so well. It was very exciting last year and we're looking forward to doing it again this year. As well as the concerts we've got an installation at the FACT building in Liverpool, in December with the designer Peter Saville, the guy who did all the iconic sleeves from the 80s. I'm talking to record companies now and it's all very exciting.

Andy originally wanted to become an artist and did a year's foundation course at Wallasey art college. He also had a place at Leeds Polytechnic on a sculpture and fine art course. But he decided to put it on hold and took a gap year and it was during this time the band was formed.

"You never expect to have a career in any kind of entertainment for 30 years, and I don't think that myself and Paul ever intended to have a career in music.

"We certainly weren't queuing up for Pop Idol or anything like that. We were sat in his mother's backroom getting our inspiration from bands from the day.

"When we decided to go and play in public, just the two of us and a tape recorder, we couldn't have picked a more ridiculous name. Two guys on a tape recorder playing synth music in a punk club was not really a particular good idea for world domination.

"Little did we know 30 years ago when there were 20 people hardly applauding at all in Eric's club that we would end up at the Arena with hopefully a few more in the audience.

"The city has needed the Arena for sometime. It's been quite embarrassing, frankly, that Liverpool has not had an arena. It seems that every minor league town in the country had one, but not us.

"For the rest of our lives every time we play live we know that everyone of our songs will be be full versions. I think we'd be short-changing our audience if we don't play the songs they wanted us to play. Other bands put them in some medley or play an acoustic version, but you'll never get us doing that. We'll play them like they are on the record."

Recalling his time at Eric's club in Mathew Street, Andy said: "It was typical sub-basement club, painted black and red and your feet stuck to the carpet through years of spilt beer.

"In the bar area your feet stuck to the floor for other reasons.

"Because it was in the old pool of Liverpool, everytime there was high tide there would be two inches of water in the room.

"It was all rough and ready, but very happy days."

We have two pairs of tickets to give away for the band's October 3 show.

To be in with a chance of winning, answer the following question: In which famous Liverpool street was Eric's club?

It couldn't be easier to enter - simply call 0901 221 0247 and leave your answer to the question, along with your name, address and daytime telephone number when prompted. Calls cost only 25p - less than the cost of a first class stamp! (calls from mobiles may cost more). Lines close on Wednesday, July 2, at 5pm. Service provided by Newsquest Media Group.

Alternatively, send the answer with your name, address and daytime contact number to OMD contest, Wirral Globe, Haymarket Court, Hinson Street, Birkenhead. The competition closes on Wednesday, July 2.