NIK Kershaw returns to Wirral later this year as part of a solo tour celebrating 30 years in music.

The Bristolian - who had a number of hits including I Won't Let The Sun Go Down and Wouldn't It Be Good and was among a host of stars who appeared on the Live Aid music spectaculac in 1985 - is at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton on September 28 with Me, Myself and I tour.

On the night, he will perform the hits and take questions from the audience on his career.

He told the Globe this afternoon: "I've done solo accoustic gigs before, but am doing something a bit different this time. It's just going to be me, my guitar and a laptop."

The 56-year-old, described by Elton John as 'the greatest songwriter of his generation' continued: "The last time I was in New Brighton was the mid '80s for a TV show called New Brighton Rock, along with the likes of Frankie Goes To Hollywood.

"It was the first time I'd done a TV show like this, so it was a little strange filming on the beach. But I'm looking forward to coming back."

Describing himself as a late developer in music, Nik first picked up a guitar at the age of 15 after watching a documentary on David Bowie.

After three years working as a civil servant, he grabbed the opportunity to turn professional, serving his apprenticeship playing guitar in jazz fusion and functions bands.

He signed with MCA Records in 1983.

The seminal Human Racing album was released in March 1984. It achieved platinum sales in many territories. He managed to squeeze in two European tours, four more hit singles and another platinum album, The Riddle, before the end of the year.

In 1985, there were three more hit singles, tours of Europe, Canada, Australia, the States and Japan and an appearance on Live Aid.

The charity concert, organised by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, was staged at Wembley Stadium in London and JKF Stadium, Philadelphia, in July 1985.

It raised millions for famine relief in Ethiopa and marks its 30th anniversary next year.

Asked if he would take part if the show was to be staged again, Nik said: "I don't think you can re-create it, because it was all of the moment and, as is the nature of live events, open to falling apart at any time.

"However, it was great to be part of something that featured so many great artistes and raised so much for famine relief."

He recorded two more albums with MCA, Radio Musicola and The Works before leaving the spotlight in 1989 to focus on song-writing and production.

He has worked with the likes of Cliff Richard, Bonnie Tyler, Lulu, Ronan Keating, Jason. He also penned and co-produced the ubiquitous The one and only for Chesney Hawkes.

His work has attracted praise from the likes of Eric Clapton and Miles Davis and earned four Brit Award nominations.

He continues to write and record, both for his own projects and for film and TV and performs his songs, old and new to his faithful following all over the world.

Looking back on his career, he said: "I fully expected to be famous, because you need that self-confidence and belief to push yourself forward in this business.

"What I didn't realise, at the time, was that there were hundreds of people like me doing the same thing, trying to make a career in music, but they didn’t get the break.

"It's good to remembered for the good things you, and Elton John’s comment was a massive compliment.

"But I'm not that bothered about being remembered; you just want to be remembered by your family as a good person."

TIckets for his show at the Flora Pavilion are from www.floralpavilion.com or 0151 666 0000.