CONTINUING his first world tour in his 30-year plus career, French keyboard king Jean-Michel Jarre returns to Manchester on October 9 to celebrate the pick of his catalogue.

The multi-instrumentalist, who gave us synth-rock classics such as Oxygene, Equinoxe, Zoolook and Rendez-Vous last appeared here in May 2009 at the start of the tour.

Son of the award-winning film composer Maurice Jarre, and whose grandfather invented one of the first audio mixing consoles, says there were many influences in his musical life.

“Yes, I have been influenced by many musical genres from an early age, from classical during my days at the Conservatoire de Paris, to more obscure movements such as Musique Concrete when I joined the Musical Research Group; jazz and pop too . . . never a day goes by without music.”

He picked out his early work as being especially memorable to him.

“I think Oxygene and the early albums hold a special place for me, because at the time I released them, back in the Seventies, electronic music was not the most popular trend.

"But thanks to them I was allowed to enjoy the success, continue my career as a musician and live from my passion ever since.”

For this tour, Jean Michel has taken the best of his output and put it into a more intimate set.

“This production is built around some of my greatest hits and the instruments they were composed on, and it’s all synchronised with the lighting, lasers and images,” he says.

Famous for the extravagance of his shows, he explains that the effects are not just there for show.

“The lights and lasers and other visual elements I imagine for my concerts allow me to make the music ‘visible’, to make it kinetic, but not illustrative.

“Performing instrumental music is very different to delivering songs with a message in the lyrics that convey emotions. So my lyrics and emotions, in a way, are shared through the light show.

“Plus, with the show being indoors, I want to offer a more ‘up close and personal’ experience. The main ingredients will be the same, but in a concentrated environment.”

The show promises to be more of a “son et lumiere”, with nothing to detract from the music.

For instance, there is no visible PA system as it is hidden behind the backcloth thereby giving everyone in the arena the full sound quality and a good view.

In fact, the stage resembles an IT department as there are 70 instruments.

Of course, he does have the help of three other musicians, he says. “As I only have two hands, I cannot perform all the parts on my own.”

As well as the more recognisable banks of keyboards, Jean Michel will be playing the instrument unique to him — a laser harp. This is an instrument that emits laser beams upwards and it is played by placing your (gloved) hand in the beam, causing a musical note.

He is certain the indoor shows will be just as spectacular as his outdoor ones.

“Definitely, that’s the least I can promise! I want to make a success of this first world tour for me and enjoy every night on stage as if it were the only one . . . and share my enjoyment with all those who come out.”

* Jean Michel Jarre will be appearing at the Manchester Arena, on Saturday, October 9.