FORMER Swindon musician Barry Andrews is gearing up to make his glittering return to the stage.

Shriekback, founded by former XTC keyboard player Andrews in the 1980s, are heading back out on tour with a headline show at London’s 02 Shepherd’s Bush Empire on June 3.

The trio, which includes Carl Marsh and Martyn Barker, have wrapped up three weeks of intensive rehearsals and are back in the studio polishing off an album.

Barry, 60, said he was looking forward to the band’s return to music.

“I feel very excited. It is kind of surreal as it will be 25 years since we have stepped on stage. It’s very strange and unusual —it’s different from my regular reality.

“It sort of oscillates between absolutely can’t wait to go on stage and feeling like this is my destiny, to feeling nervous and wanting to be a hermit.”

They will also perform shows in Lewes and Whitstable.

Barry said fans of the band can expect a night of rock and roll theatre.

He said: “We will perform all our hooligan singles. There will also be songs from Oil & Gold including Hammerheads, which is like Egyptian cab music on steroids, then we will go into a Middle Eastern frenzy.”

Shriekback will also debut a new track, Shovelheads, which will appear on their forthcoming album.

Barry said: “The new song is classic Shriekback, lots of shouting on the chorus, long words and squelchy funk beats.”

Shriekback are known for singles Nemesis, All Lined Up and My Spine Is The Bassline.

London-born Barry moved to Park North as a child before moving out of town to pursue his musical passion.

Acclaimed film director Michael Mann is a fan of the group and used two of their songs in 1986 serial killer drama Manhunter.

The band raised £40,000 for the new live show via fundraising website Kickstarter

Barry said he was incredibly grateful for the support from loyal fans.

“I am amazed by the reaction, I was surprised that anyone would really remember us and to know that we still have so many fans behind us and supporting us to go on tour is phenomenal. I am very thankful to all of them.”

To book tickets for the gig at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London on June 3, visit ticketmaster.co.uk/Shriekback-tickets/artist/2162.