From one island to another, one of the biggest UK pop groups of the 1980s are making their return to the Isle of Man later this year.

Level 42 are heading to the Villa Marina, appearing at the Royal Hall on Thursday, September 5.

One of the idiosyncratic and unique pop bands to come out of the UK during the early 80s, thanks to the instantly-recognisable sound and slap-playing style of bassist and front man Mark King, Level 42 achieved world-wide fame with a string of hit singles and chart-topping albums through-out the decade.

Their most successful period, during the mid to late-80s, saw them release the classic songs ’Running in the Family’, Something About You’ and ’Lessons In Love’.

After forming the group in the Isle of Wight, Mark King moved to London and teamed up with keyboardist and singer Mike Lindup, and went on to release nine albums in a 10-year period, that saw them sell more than 30 million records world-wide and achieve huge success on both sides of the Atlantic.

They went through several line-up changes throughout the 90s, which led both core members Mark King and Mike Lindup to pursue solo careers.

However, the popularity of their earlier work proved so great with fans that they reformed, releasing a comeback album, ’Retroglide’ in 2006, and an EP, ’Sirens’ in 2013, which was released to critical acclaim.

This year, 38 years after forming, the group released a live DVD, filmed from last year’s Eternity tour, and will continue playing throughout the year to large audiences across the UK and Europe.

Mark King’s enthusiasm for the re-energised pop group has shown no signs of waning.

’Touring with the band this year has been about as much fun as I can remember having had on the road,’ said Mark.

’If you had asked me back in 1980 if I thought we would be selling out theatres around the world when I was 60 years old I probably would have laughed!

’Hand on heart, this year has been amazing. Re-invention can be a wonderful thing.’

Tickets are priced £29.50, available from the Welcome Centre and the Villa Gaiety Box office, on 600555, or online from villagaiety.com