by Mike Wade

twitter:@iomnewspapers

There are certain artists that, when you mention their names, one song above all jumps straight into your head.

With UK rock and soul singer Andrew Roachford, of course you would automatically think of his mega-hit ’Cuddly Toy’, which was released in 1989 and remained a constant presence in the charts and on the radio for many years later.

The cross-over formula of an insanely catchy, rocky, punchy guitar riff with an infectious, dance feel and a gloriously sing-a-long chorus made the perfect recipe for a hit song which has stood the test of time.

Follow-up single ’Family Man’ also gained chart success, and soon Roachford was on his way to signing a huge seven-album deal with Columbia records, becoming the label’s biggest-selling UK act.

’Cuddly Toy’ was also used for a sketch on the recent Alan Partridge film ’Alpha Papa’, which added to the song’s popularity.

Andrew Roachford, who will appear at the Villa Marina stage on Thursday, December 7, has continued to write and produce original music, releasing five albums under his own name, as well as writing and producing for many other artists, including such superstar names and Michael Jackson and Chaka Khan.

More recently, he has been the front man for Mike And The Mechanics, the one-time side-project formed by the Genesis guitarist Mike Rutherford.

Mike and the Mechanics scored a wave of hits during the late 80s and early 90s, including ’The Living Years’, Looking Back Over my Shoulder’ and ’Silent Running’, and when the band re-united in 2010, Mike Rutherford decided Roachford’s powerful, raw, yet soulful delivery would be a perfect replacement for original singer Paul Carrack.

Andrew is still touring with Mike and the Mechanics, and says that he hopes to have new material recorded and released next year.

’Early next year I will be doing some dates in America singing and playing with Mike and the Mechanics , who I have been writing and performing with them for the last 7 years now,’ said Andrew.

’Then back in to the studio to record my next studio album which I am extremely excited about!’

Having already appeared at the Villa Marina in 2012 with Mike and the Mechanics, Andrew is excited at the chance to bring his solo act to the Royal Hall

’I’m really thrilled about coming to the Isle of Man for the 2nd time after playing at the Villa,’ he said. ’I remember the crowd being very warm and engaged in the show and after I spoke to a few people and they were very friendly and genuine.

’The show keeps going from strength to strength, partly through touring so much you get to keep evolving and perfecting things. I think my voice is now the strongest it’s ever been and the energy level of the show is definitely something worth experiencing.’

Tickets for Roachford are £18, and are available from the Welcome Centre, at the Sea Terminal, from the Villa Marina box office, or online at villagaiety.com