A WIRRAL visit from singer-songwriter Henry Priestman has become a regular occurrence in recent years and thankfully 2021 will be no different.

Like many musicians, the former member of ‘80s hitmakers The Christians and It’s Immaterial, was left twiddling his thumbs during lockdown and now finds himself eager to get back on the road. Well sort of.

“We did gigs on Zoom on the first Friday of every month and they are great fun,” said Henry. “I’m a pensioner now and it was crazy the amount of gigs we were doing. One thing I’ve learnt from lockdown is getting my work-life balance right. I met my wife in 1977 and most of the time since, I’ve been in studios or gigging so it’s been lovely to just settle down.

“But at the same time, there’s nothing like a real gig!”

Although originally from Hull, Henry, 66, moved to Liverpool as an art student and formed the new wave band Yachts before founding It’s Immaterial in 1980. Then came The Christians and huge hits like Ideal World, Forgotten Town and a million-selling debut album.

“It’s great to be back at Thornton Hough this Christmas,” he said. “I’ve played there eight times in the last six years. The first time I played there, I thought it was just magical - it feels like playing in someone’s house. Whatever, Les (Glover, who plays alongside Henry) and I do, the audience are right there with us and you can hear a pin drop.

“I’m really looking forward to it. Wembley Arena? Been there done that - give me Thornton Hough any day!”

While he might have been playing live, Henry has been busy writing new songs and contributing to a tribute album to Scottish singer Jackie Levan.

“I’ve just started work on my next album which will be called Beautiful Ruins,” he added. “Hopefully, by this time next year it will be out but I’m a slow worker. My last album was 2018 and before that it was 2014 - I like every album to be special so they do take a while.”

Henry Priestman and Les Glover play Thornton Village Club on Saturday, December 11.

For tickets and information go to henrypriestman.com/ents24.com/wirral-events/thornton-hough-village-club

For more information on Henry go to: henrypriestman.com