Gig preview: Nik Kershaw in Kendal (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Gig preview: Nik Kershaw in Kendal

5:37pm Friday 29th January 2010 in

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SONGWRITER Nik Kershaw will bring his solo acoustic show to Kendal on Sunday, February 21.

The singer, who first stormed the charts in the mid eighties with synthpop classics such as I Won't Let the Sun Go Down on Me and Wouldn't It Be Good, will appear at Bootleggers playing a mix of classics and material from his new album No Frills.

It is being billed as ‘a real sing-a-long’ show as part of Kershaw’s first tour in seven years.

“I just love playing the older songs because we all have a good sing-song and it makes for a great atmosphere – though I think the newer stuff is a bit closer to my heart,” he said.

“It has been about 20 years since I was in the Lake District. It is a gorgeous place. Just so stunning.”

Kershaw has enjoyed massive success during a 25-year career, with a string of top ten hits, but says: “I’m always working on new stuff and hope to get another album recorded this year, but I am not forcing it and I am not in a mad rush.

"If an idea comes into my head, I take time to write it down.”

In 1985, Kershaw was among the performers to play Live Aid, at Wembley Stadium and in 1991, he had a number one hit with The One and Only - sung by teen idol Chesney Hawkes.

But he cites his collaboration with Elton John on his hit Nikita and his Duets album as a highlight.

“I guess you can’t beat working with Elton. Him phoning you up and asking you if you have got any songs is a pretty special thing to happen,” he said.

“Of course Live Aid sticks out as a highlight, but I have been able to do some amazing gigs over the years and some amazing festivals.

"I have been very lucky.”

* Nik Kershaw, Bootleggers, Kendal, Sunday, February 21. Tickets £16 from the bar or by calling 01539 723824.