ONE of the most influential figures in the New Wave movement comes to Manchester with his self-styled 'power trio'.

It is 12 years since Hugh Cornwell left The Stranglers but many fans still don't realise he's left!

"Because I left quietly some people still think I'm in the band," said Hugh.

"I can categorically state that I am no longer in the Stranglers and have no intention of re-joining the band."

With bassist Steve Lawrence and teenage drummer Wilson McGilvray, Cornwell will play the Life Cafe on Thursday, November 7 promoting his new album Mayday -- and playing some Stranglers songs along the way.

"For a few years after I left the band I didn't play them but now I'm very proud of those songs.

"But they're given a new life with this band. For a start we don't have keyboards so they will sound different."

Cornwell is already working on tracks for a new album and is hoping to appear in a film next year.

"I do get bored easily," he said. "I like to keep myself stimulated."

Tickets for Hugh Cornwell at the Life Cafe on St Peter Street, Manchester cost £10 and are available on 0161 833 3000.