FORMER Marillion frontman Fish returns to Wirral this weekend, as part of a new album tour.

The Edinburgh-born singer and actor - real name Derek Dick - is at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton on Saturday, September 14, as part of the Moveable Feast Tour.

The show will feature material from his new album, which is due for release on the day, as well as hits from his career, which spans more than 30 years.

His last visit to Wirral was for the International Guitar Festival in 2011. Looking forward to returning this weekend, he told the Globe: "The audience is passionate about rock and roll, which is why I love playing there."

The musical giant, who stands 6' 5", was a forester before joining Marillion in 1980 and among the band’s many hits was Kayleigh.

He left in 1988 to pursue a solo career and acting projects, which included appearances on The Bill, auditions for a James Bond film in 2001 and an offer to play The Hippy in The Queen musical We Will Rock You.

He returned to live performances in 2006 with acoustic shows, playing stripped down acoustic versions of songs from throughout his career.

It also marked the release of his new solo album, Thirteen Stars.

He has been on the road ever since and also has a number of film projects underway.

Looking back on the highlights, he said: "There are far too many to remember, but I think playing in Bosnia in 1996 was a massive one.

"I also took part in a gig for Nelson Mandela in 1988."

"A lot of things have happened, but I don’t tend to note things down and I've no plan to write a book."

On the new album, he said: "We started work on the new album when we went back on the live tours about six years ago and basically re-learned the art of songwriting.

"The fans' response on our website has been incredible. I've still got a strong reputation and the album is going down very well even before it's beem released."

His last Wirral appearance was at Pacific Road Arts Centre in Woodside two years ago.

At the time the building had been put up for sale as part of the council's strategic asset review. It has since closed.

Speaking at the time, Fish said: "I've only played Pacific Road once, but I remember it was an interesting venue and a great performance space.

"It's a terrible situation to be in, but the country’s in a major recession and cuts are being made everywhere. The same has happened to venues in Edinburgh."

Saturday’s show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are from 666 0000.