ROCK legends Sad Cafe come to Wirral next month as part of their first tour in 25 years.

The show - part of Wirral’s 24th International Guitar Festival - will take place at the Floral Pavilion on November 15.

Founding member Ian Wilson told the Globe: “We’ve actually bitten the bullet and decided to go back on the road.

“You can’t really call it a comeback tour, because we’ve never been away, but it’s going to be great for the guys to get together and share their love of music.”

The guitarist and singer continued: “It’s been 25 years since we last toured. “A lot has happened and a lot of hair has gone. It’s going to be great to get back on stage”.

Formed in Manchester in 1976, Sad Cafe became one of the biggest live bands of the late 70s and early 80s.

The many hits included Everyday Hurts, My Oh My, Strange Little Girl, Nothing Left To Toulouse and I’m In Love Again.

The new line-up features ex-Slade frontman Steve Whalley and longtime members Ian Wilson, Dave Irving, Ashley Mulford and Des Tong.

The band’s front man Paul Young died, aged 53, in July 2000 following a heart attack. The band got together to recorded a posthumous album featuring his vocals nine years later.

Paying tribute to Paul, who went on to sing for Mike & The Mechanics, Ian said: “We’re not going to dwell on the fact that Paul’s no longer with us during the tour. We can’t replace him.

“We had an idea to replace him witb a female vocalist, but it would not have worked.”

Recording the album was, as Ian recalled, a strange experience. He said: “I found it very odd recording and singing harmony with someone who was no longer with us. At times it felt as though he was there.”

Looking to the future, Ian said: “We’re also kicking around a few ideas for new stuff.

“We’ll also be recording every single gig for release as double-player CD. We’ve also got few festivals planned for next year. I’d love to go back and on the road for a longer tour.”

Also peforming duriing the three-week festival, now in its 24th year, are The Idiot B****** Band, Wirral’s Gary Murphy, former Mike & The Mechanics frontman Paul Carrack, The Easy All-Stars with their reggae tribute to Michael Jackson’s thriller and Dweezil Zappa, son of the late innovative guitarist Frank.

Tickets and full programme details are from www.bestguitarfest.com or the box office on 0151 666 0000.