Bad boy of rock returns

Hugh enjoyed massive success in his 17-year-period with the Stranglers as its original guitarist, singer and main songwriter, chalking up a phenomenal 10 hit albums and 21 top 40 singles.

The legendary group were one of the most successful bands of the late 70S and early 80s and responsible for such hits as Peaches, Golden Brown and No More Heroes, which remain as fresh and relevant today as the day they were released.

And the remarkable musician has revelled in his musical freedom ever since he stepped off the stage after a sell-out Stranglers' gig at Alexandra Palace in the summer of 1990, announcing it was the last time he was going to be fronting the group.

The acrimonious split came after tensions arose within the band between Hugh and the other members and the singer has since gone on to release a string of solo albums and tour extensively, more recently breaking into the North American market.

His music reached new audiences in 2001 after he wrote and performed alongside dance collective Ruff Driverz for their song Attention.

More recently, the artist - who served time more than 20 years ago for drug possession - released his latest solo album Beyond Elysian Fields, in October last year, alongside his autobiography, A Multitude of Sins.

Now he is back on the road and was in Canada to play a few dates earlier this month before returning to the UK for a 15-date tour, as part of which he will be playing a gig at Worcester's Marr's Bar tomorrow night.

Hugh is no stranger to the city, having played here on several occasions, and audiences can expect a mix of classic Stranglers' tracks as well as some of his own material.

And he will also be in Waterstones in the city's High Street at 2pm tomorrow to sign copies of his autobiography, which has just been released in paperback, and chat to fans.

Tickets for the Marr's Bar gig are £10 in advance or £12 on the door.

JOBY MULLENS