THERE'S another cracking gig in store at Barrow Underground Music Society tomorrow night (Friday) when BUMS welcomes back prolific singer-songwriter Ian McNabb for a date on his Our Future In Space 2018 UK tour.

Apparently, the Liverpool-born artist absolutely captivated the audience during his sell out show at Barrow last year with his mixture of sonic craft, banter and stage presence.

Previously the frontman of the excellent The Icicle Works, Ian has since embarked on a solo career and performed with Ringo Starr, Neil Young and Crazy Horse, Mike Scott of The Waterboys, and Danny Thompson of folk band Pentangle.

His first book, an autobiography entitled Merseybeast, was published in October 2008.

Supported at BUMS by Chrissie Bentley and Chris Wilson, Ian's new album sees him reuniting with his friends from Cold Shoulder - Andy Lord-Ashton and Christopher Kearney. Ian, Andy and Chris have collaborated on two albums so far, Eclectic Warrior and Krugerrands both of which focus on the heavier side of Ian's music, a stripped down, as-recorded-live two guitars, bass and drums set up, very reminiscent of Ian's work with Crazy Horse in the mid-1990s.

Both albums featured different drummers and the man behind the kit this time around is Steve 'Smiley' Barnard. Steve's list of achievements include recording and performing live with Robbie Williams, Joe Strummer, The Mescalaros, (which he followed Ged Lynch into - another drummer Ian has worked with), The Mock Turtles, From The Jam and The Alarm. Steve is currently touring Europe with French band Archive. Ian and Steve were brought together by their mutual late friend BBC Radio Wales DJ Alan Thompson. The new album is dedicated to his memory.