Ben Ottewell, one of the prominent voices of British indie rock band Gomez, is set to return to the island for two performances at the Erin Arts Centre.

The singer will perform on Friday, September 4, and Saturday, September 5, with the shows being promoted by But First Promotions.

Ottewell is best known as one of the three lead vocalists of Gomez, alongside Ian Ball and Tom Gray.

The band rose to prominence with their debut album Bring It On, which went platinum and won the Mercury Music Prize in 1998. Gomez went on to release a further six studio albums, including Liquid Skin, which also achieved platinum sales status.

Among the Southport band's best-known songs are ‘Whippin' Piccadilly’, ‘Get Myself Arrested’ and ‘Tijuana Lady’.

Ottewell’s deep, soulful vocal style has attracted comparisons with Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder and Tom Waits, while his solo work and acoustic arrangements have also been compared with the music of folk singer Nick Drake.

Ottewell has released three solo albums: Shapes & Shadows in 2011, Rattlebag in 2014 and A Man Apart in 2017.

Rob Cope from But First commented: ‘Ben is a huge presence, and his voice really has to be heard to be believed.

‘He is such an incredible talent, and is also an accomplished guitarist which makes the show unmissable.’

Support for the two shows will come from local musicians Rhi Scanlon and Alice Ashe.

Scanlon, 26, is from the north of the island and describes her original music as a blend of folk, blues and country with an indie influence.

Alice Ashe is an emerging Manx singer-songwriter whose music draws heavily on Americana and Nashville influences.

Rhi will provide support on the Friday night, with Alice performing on the Saturday.

Tickets for the shows are priced at £27.50 and are available by visiting https://www.ticketsource.com/butfirstpromotions