RISING Phoenix-like from the ashes, Mike Rutherford has decided to reform the band he originally started as a sideline to his activities in Genesis.

Mike + The Mechanics are with us again with a new album, new tour and new line-up.

Mike originally formed the band back in 1984 with Paul Young (ex Sad Cafe) and Paul Carrack, and between then and 2000, the band enjoyed hits like The Living Years, All I Need Is A Miracle and Over My Shoulder.

In 2000, Young died suddenly of a heart attack, but the band reconvened (as Mike + The Mechanics + Paul Carrack) to record the 2004 album Rewired.

Mike has repeated the successful formula of the original band by recruiting two lead singers.

“I’m doing no more solo albums,” he affirms. “I can’t really sing and if I write a song I want a good singer for it.”

The two singers in the new line-up are Andrew Roachford and Tim Howar.

Roachford is one of the most successful UK R&B acts of the 90s, having hits with Cuddly Toy and The Way That I Feel.

Howar is a Canadian actor/singer who has had success in the West End in shows like Tonight’s The Night, in which he played the role of Rod Stewart.

Mike says: “Andrew was recommended to me and we asked him to come down. We actually wrote some stuff on that first day.

“Having an R&B singer in the band works, and Tim has this theatrical background which also makes him suitable for the songs that Paul used to sing.”

Joining Mike, Andrew and Tim on stage will be Gary Wallis (who played drums in the old band as well as touring with Pink Floyd), Anthony Drennan, who has toured with both Genesis and The Corrs, and keyboard player Luke Juby.

Mike is really looking forward to taking his new band on the road.

"We’ve already done a couple of small sets and there’s a new energy within the band."

Plus we have a new album to look forward to.

The Road is to be released in April, just in time for the tour.

* Mike + The Mechanics will be appearing at the Manchester O2 Apollo on Friday, May 20, the Blackpool Opera House on Saturday, May 21, and the Liverpool Empire on Sunday, May 22. Tickets cost £35 and £40.