FORMER Frankie Goes to Hollywood guitarist Brian 'Nasher' Nash returns to Wirral next week for the 27th International Guitar Festival.

The Liverpool musician penned Frankie’s hit The Power of Love and is among the host of stars performing during the three-week showcase, which runs from next Thursday, November 5-27.

He will appear at the Floral Pavilion's blue lounge on Friday, November 6.

Looking forward to the show, Nasher - who was a council electrician before finding music fame - told the Globe today: "I knew that the Guitar Festival existed, so am looking forward to being a part of it this year and playing to an appreciative audience.

"There will be a lot of acoustic-based songs and a bit of banter about my career and other revelations, like why I hate George Osborne and tattoos.

"It's going to be nice to play in the Blue Lounge and having a seated audience makes all the difference.

"If I’m sitting down, I’ll want them to be able to sit down and enjoy themselves."

Frankie Goes To Hollywood topped the UK singles chart for five consecutive weeks in the 1980s with Relax. They were only the second act in the history of the UK charts to reach number one with their first three singles.

On the highlights, Nasher - who has recently released an audio-book version of his hugely-successful autobiography Nasher Says Relax - continued: "Having hits at number one and two with Relax and Two Tribes is a massive highlight for me.

“More recently, the eight seconds of Relax that were used at the start of the London Olympics was incredible.

"I only live about eight miles away from where they were held, but watching a little lad dancing around with a Frankie Says Relax t-shirt on while the music played was a strange, but amazing experience."

The London-based musician recalled the impact of his music has on people of all ages.

He said: “I was playing a gig in Glasgow recently and had a knock on the door during the interval. It was a 20-year-old girl who said I blew her away with 'real songs'. 

"I thought that was a beautiful thing to say. If I'm still able to have that much power through music, that’s not a bad thing."

He described work on the audiobook as a 'real labour of love' adding: "I really enjoyed working on it, but it was a time-consuming process.

"For example, it would take about three hours to record 20 minutes of audio, making sure you got your breathing right.

"But it was nice to record a book that was full of great memories. New memories are being made all of the time.

"I've had a fantastic life and feel really blessed. When we were eight weeks old my sister and I were adopted by my dad and mum.

"I went on to have a great life, great career and am still having a great time."

This year's Wirral Guitar Festival features an eclectic mix of classical, folk, jazz, blues and rock music - showing the versatility and prowess of the guitar casts illumination and beauty as well as power and emotion.

As well as Nasher, there will be performances from Nils Lofgren, folk star Ralph McTell and Ricky Ross from Deacon Blue.

Also appearing are the late Ian Dury's band The Blockheads, Tony Remy & The Stolen Clones and The Blues Band, featuring Paul Jones.

Local acts include Wirral Ukulele Orchestra, Gary Murphy, who returns with his Guitar Legends show, and folk group Phil Chisnall Band.

There will also be series of tribute shows for Wirral musician Brendan McCormack, a regular performer in the festival, who died in 2009.

There will also a tribute to Fleetwood Mac and a performance from Liverpool Mozart Orchestra.

Tickets are from www.bestguitarfest.com or the box office on 0151 666 0000.