Carl: Welcome to our on-line chat with Marti Pellow (ex front man from WetWet Wet). This conference is moderated, which means that you can't join in with chat. However you can ask Marti questions at any time during the event. To ask a question look towards the top of the chat window, then click the 'ASK QUESTION' button, type in your question and click ASK your question will then be entered in the queue. Welcome Marti to CompuServe's Music Forum. We have got lots of questions from the members and guests today. We have a Web cam that will be focused on Marti throughout the chat. To see this click on the Forum Home button and select the Web cam link from this page.

**Competition News**
Make sure you ask plenty of questions as the best two will win a signed photo of the man himself!

I'll kick off by asking are you an Internet fan?

Marti Pellow: The whole format is very new to me, but its something I'm willing to embrace. I visit the fan sites which are good 'coz then I know what I'm doing over the next few days!

Carl: You've just released a new single, 'Close to You', have you been happy with it's chart position?

Marti Pellow: I've been overwhelmed by the response. It's great to be back in the charts and I'd like to thank my fans for all their support, not just for the single, but over the last few years, they've been brilliant.

Carl: When is the new album out and can you tell the guests what the new album is like?

Marti Pellow: It's out on 25 June in the UK to follow shortly in Europe. It's an eclectic mix of songs. Most of the lyrics were done by my friend Chris Difford from Squeeze. I'm very happy with the results. I went to Memphis so that'll give you an indication of what to expect.

Guest 47: Hi Marti, welcome back. Great single and you look brill. When are you touring again?

Marti Pellow: I've got plans to start touring in the UK November/December and I'm really looking forward to it so I can wear tight trousers that leave nothing to the imagination!

Karl W: Will the unreleased songs from Wet Wet Wet ever be eleased?

Marti Pellow: That's a very good question. Hopefully they will see the light of day if it has anything to do with me.

Guest 10: Marti, Did you come to the Mardi Bar on Saturday evening?

Marti Pellow: Yes I did, but I had (a) too much food and (b) felt tired.

Guest 11: Each time we see you lately you are sporting a new hat are you building up a collection as a man of many disguises?

Marti Pellow: What I do in the privacy of my bedroom has nothing to do with this interview!

Guest 4: Is chart success or a sold out tour more important to you?

Marti Pellow: Both are equally important.

Halo in Kent: I was in the audience of The National Lottery Stars when you appeared on it... did Dale try and chat you up?! But seriously... were you more nervous appearing there or on your first telly appearance? xxxx

Marti Pellow: Dale Winton is a lovely man. He makes me nervous though, but we're good friends. My first television appearance was on the Tube and I was very nervous about the amount of acne on my face!

Moira: Hi Marti. I live in Bristol but come from Clydebank, went to Clydebank High school too. Is it true that you are going to do a duet with Lulu? Also, is there any chance of you popping into the Hardgate Golf Club when I am next home??

Marti Pellow: I have been approached to duet with Lulu, but I'd much rather sing with Shelby Lynne. Hardgate Golf club? - Nah!

Guest 71: A while back you were considering doing a covers album - is that still going to happen?

Marti Pellow: Very much so. I think it's important to show my influences and tip my hat to some wonderful songwriters such as James Taylor, Joni Mitchell and Bros.

Graham Wale: What has become of your Wet Wet Wet mates?

Marti Pellow: I believe they're still writing songs and enjoying their family life.

Guest 52: The new official site is better... are there any plans to update it more regularly?

Marti Pellow: Yes! But my enthusiam far outweighs my talent.

Guest 62 (Monique v Spellen) : Great track-list on SMILE, but where is 'Out Of The Blue'?

Marti Pellow: I put that song to bed. I will bring it out later in some format.

Cathy: Marti, saw you several times in Hamburg with WET WET WET when will you be here to play in the Markthalle again?

Marti Pellow: I believe I may be there in September.

Guest 74: Great new single. What kept you going at your lowest moment?

Marti Pellow: Friends and family and my sobriety.

Guest 24: Hi Marty, are you planning to record those jazzy swinging songs in the future and also will you record any James Taylor songs?

Marti Pellow: No more jazzy songs - they're commercial suicide. I'm thinking about recording 'Fire and Rain' by James Taylor.

Gayle: You are playing golf with Tiger Woods and he is beating you by one stroke. At the 18th hole you find his ball next to the burn. Would you kick it into the water? No fibbing!!!

Marti Pellow: Absolutely - no question! Is that Gayle from Scotland?

Sarah: I have been a big, big fan since 1987 do you feel that most of your fans have grown with you and giving you the support you deserve now?

Marti Pellow: Absolutely. Yet again, I'll be forever indebted to the fans who have grown with me and Hello to all the new ones also.

Guest 55: What's your favourite joke?

Marti Pellow: This hamburger goes into a bar and asks for a beer. The barman replies "We don't serve food in here."

Carole (Dundee): You're looking good! How do you relax - can you still enjoy a pint in your local pub or are those days gone?

Marti Pellow: Yeah I still have a pint, but it's a pint of coca cola, and I still enjoy the pub atmosphere. I can't have a drink so have one for me!

Lyn: Hi Marti, I'm thinking of going on holiday to New Zealand in November do you know when your tour dates will be released 'cos I'm not going till after your shows?

Marti Pellow: Go now Lyn! Make sure you're back for November.

Sarahl: I met you about four years ago before a concert in Birmingham. Do you still think its important to make contact with your fans?

Marti Pellow: Yeah I think it's good to talk to fans. I think no person in this business should be an island.

Joanne (Newscastle): Hiya Marti, Memphis is obviously a very special place for you, and I was wondering if you plan to take your new album to America to promote?

Marti Pellow: Yeap.

Kazzy: Hi Marti, Who would you most like to collaborate with, and why?

Marti Pellow: I think Tom Waites because I think he's a very prolific writer and a passionate musician and I can relate to that.

Guest 89: Hi Marti, I would first of all congratulate you on a superb new single and I've heard some of the tracks from 'Smile' and I think they are great. What is your favourite track on the new album?

Marti Pellow: It changes from day to day...

Guest 57: Talking about duets will, Jackie Johnson be touring with you again 'cos she was absolutely fantastic on your last tour?

Marti Pellow: Yeah Jackie will be touring with me again. I'm a big fan.

Guest 84: What inspires you to write your songs?

Marti Pellow: It changes, sometimes it can be conversations, watching TV, reading books. Just keeping my ears and eyes open really.

Guest 67: How do you feel about fans knowing where you live and the possibility of them trying to track you down there, do you feel you deserves more privacy?

Marti Pellow: That's a tricky one. I very much feel that my home is for me and my family and the people I invite there. It kind of comes with the territory though, but so far everybody has been as nice as ninepence!

Guest 94: How do you feel being called the houswives favorite? Can I please add you to my friends list??

Marti Pellow: Yes please! Housewives favourite? I guess to a certain degree it's quitefunny, but do they prefer me to the washing machine on full spin? I wouldn't know!

Fiona: Hi Marti, will you be producing an outlet where we, your greatest fans can buy merchandise relevant to you, and your music. You are the greatest!!

Marti Pellow: Yeah I think so - spend on!

Barbara S: Hi Marti. You once said you made excellent chicken soup. Now that you are a veggie, what do you like to cook? Lots of Love xx

Marti Pellow: Well for a while, when I decided to go veggie I ate way to much dairy and cheese, but my knowledge is getting better on vegetarian cuisine.

JF: Are you planning a pub gig or taking part in any outdoor music events in Scotland this summer?

Marti Pellow: Nah!

Somerset Sarah: Hi Marti! Could you please cover Robbie Williams 'Angels'? Great song, but his voice doesn't quite do it justice!

Marti Pellow: Are you trippin'! He does that song justice, and so did some of the people on Popstars!

Guest 75: If you were deserted on a desert island who would you choose as your companion?

Marti Pellow: The World Wide Web!

Guest 70: Hi Marti! Do you still feel nervous before any concerts or is it quite 'normal' up to now?

Marti Pellow: I always feel nervous before concerts, but I think that's a good thing, it makes me feel alive.

Kerry & Sharon: Hiya Marti, what is your favourite song you've written and are there any songs of another artists that you wish were yours? Thanks.

Marti Pellow: I think my favourite at the moment is 'Moonlight over Memphis' and I think 'Let's Get it On' by Marvin Gaye.

Guest 60: Do you have time to read a books and if so which one have you just read?

Marti Pellow: 'The Wasp Factory' by Iain Banks.

Guest 11: Your version of Joni Mitchells 'The River' is simply amazing. Will it feature on 'Smile'?

Marti Pellow: No it doesn't feature on 'Smile', but it may appear on the covers album.

Megan: Hello Marti, I was twelve on Saturday and I came to see you at the Royal Albert Hall in November - I thought you were brilliant... cannot wait to see you again. I love the new single, Love Megan.

Marti Pellow: Megan, you get a picture!

Megan: Marti where do I get my picture from? Please could you sign the picture for me?

Marti Pellow: The wonderful people at CompuServe will sort it out for you. [Email your your address to ukchat@compuserve.com]

Guest 102: My husband wants to know did you do the dancing on the 'Maybe I'm in Love' video as that dancing talen was never visible at concerts!! If not, great body double!!

Marti Pellow: Well being known as Old Snake Hips Pellow Yes, I did do the dancing - only the bad bits though!

Gayle: Aye Mart, it's Gayle from Scotland - please don't sue me!! Do you think there will ever be vegetarian Scotch Pies?

Marti Pellow: Inconceivable, but I did try vegetarian haggis - yuck!

Guest 104: Which months will you be touring the UK again?

Marti Pellow: November/December.

Guest 3: Do you think you will ever have a reunion with Wet Wet Wet?

Marti Pellow: Never say never!

Guest 86: Will you still be touring in ten, twenty years time like for example, David Essex?

Marti Pellow: Wheelchair permitting, I think so.

Halo in Kent: Hi again babe! Did you auction your hair when you cut it all off... or did you stuff a pillow with it?!!!

Marti Pellow: No.

Carole (Dundee): Given you hectic schedule can you see room for children in your life in the future?

Marti Pellow: If God blesses me to have children, I think it would be a wonderful experience, but being a virgin at the moment, it would be hard.

Jane (Mardi Bar): Hi Marti Do you remember my little girl Rebecca who gave you a rose at the Manchester 2nd concert? She's here and wants to say that she loves the new song amd can't wait for the next tour xxx

Marti Pellow: Yes I do remember her, she had lovely eyes.

Lucy: Who's the most influential person you've met and why?

Marti Pellow: Willie Mitchell - he's a very gentle man and his musical knowledge is immense - he makes me laugh.

Guest 55: Stars In Their Eyes asks YOU to be someone else. Who would you be?

Marti Pellow: Pavorotti, as long as I could borrow that Russ Abbott suit.

Sue W: What do you do to unwind and relax?

Marti Pellow: Let's keep this a family conversation ;-)

Guest 95: My fella didnt' believe you would sing live on TOTP and when you did he said he would light a fart in your honour, can you say 'Hello' to him in the burns unit?

Marti Pellow: You get a picture for that one! That is a fantastic question and it's a powerful image!

Guest 50: Hi Marti, big welcome back from Brum. Us four girls want to know when your next appearing live on TV and when the next singles out?

Marti Pellow: I don't know yet, the new single will probably come out some time in September.

Lynn: I love 'The Missing Sounds', any chance of it being a single?

Marti Pellow: I don't think so, but I agree with you that it's an amazing song.

Hippy Home: Who did you listen to when you were young and did they influence you in wanting to enter showbusiness?

Marti Pellow: The reason I first wanted to be a musician was watching Sweet on TOTP, doing 'Blockbuster'. Now there were some tight trousers!

Guest 106: Would you consider going back to Hong Kong to do a show? You have a top ten on your web site - does it change as new recordings come out or stay just as it is?

Marti Pellow: I'd love to go back to Hong Kong and my top ten changes constantly, that's just how it was when I had that conversation.

Guest 114: Hello, do you think you will revisit Hull, as that was the last place you played with the Wets?

Marti Pellow: Yeah, I'd love to revisit Hull, but Munich was actually the last place I played with the Wets.

Guest 71: Are you planning on singing at any of the summer roadshow events? It was great to see you at Party In The Park last year.

Marti Pellow: I have been asked but I haven't confirmed, but who knows - I'm always up for a party.

Denise: Hi Marti, If you could pick anyone from the past to the present who would you most like to talk to in a webchat?

Marti Pellow: I'm reading the Ingrid Bergman autobiography at the moment and she's really doing it for me just now!

Sue: I just wanted to thank you Marti for speaking with my sister Chris at your hotel in Birmingham (in the wheelchair). She's unable to talk with you tonight as it's bad day for her. Thanks again your music its so important to her. God Bless xx

Marti Pellow: Get well soon Chris, love and kisses Marti!

Sarah Leedham: You are looking a picture of health at the moment and long may that continue. How do you feel your experiences will help you with the inevitable pressures of the music business in the future? Sarah xxx

Marti Pellow: My wants and needs are completely different from ten years ago. I feel that it's very much running at my pace at the moment.

Guest 70: What do you think about today's music like Britney Spears or the Backstreet Boys? Do you think it's music or just... awful maybe?

Marti Pellow: No I think it's all music and I think there's a place in the market square for everyone, it depends on how deep you want to go. It ain't my bag!

Wil: I don't know if/when you are going to do some gigs in Holland but could we also have priority booking then, please? And yes I am female.

Marti Pellow: I know who you are Wil, and yes you are all woman [grinning]. There's always a seat for you at Marti shows!

H: You came to Tiverton Devon a while ago, any plans on coming again and eating at the Indian I sent you to? Did you enjoy it?

Marti Pellow: I've never been to Devon!!! I have reason to believe it's the guy from Stars in your Eyes that you met.

Guest 74: Who do you want to win Big Brother?

Marti Pellow: Don't watch that dross.

Barbara S: Hi Marti. At the end of a concert you say "God Bless" and the lyrics of 'Coming Home' contain the line 'God Bless'. Do you believe in God and if so, do you think God helped you through the bad times.

Marti Pellow: I'm not a very religious person, I feel more of a spiritual connection with some form of higher power, but it has no name.

Guest 10: Marti, Will there be an offical fan club soon?

Marti Pellow: Yes but it's early days yet - it's still coming together.

Karen: Hi Marti - four times I've seen you now, once in Birmingham & three times in Glasgow, love Glasgow. Where is the best places to visit, eat in your great city?

Marti Pellow: The Rogano, and The Buttery... and my mother's house!

Braiden: Hi Marti, have you got any tips on how to make it in the music business?

Marti Pellow: Difficult question - just believe in your dreams and if you're lucky they may become reality.

Amanda: Hi Marti, Amanda from Glasgow here, first of all it`s BRILLIANT to have you back. I was wondering if you regret how things ended with the Wets or do you think it had to happen for you to get where you are now?

Marti Pellow: Yeah I'm sad that the circle of life came to an end for Wet Wet Wet and change is difficult, but I'm in a much better place now.

Guest 78: Would you ever do an acoustic set with Chris on guitar?

Marti Pellow: I always ask him if he wants to come and play. He always says yes but never does. I think he's a great singer but then again he is my friend.

Guest 36: Marti, I wanted to apologise for the champagne at Putney and ask what you did with it?

Marti Pellow: It's still in my fridge - don't apologise, it was a lovely gesture.

Guest 75: Hi Marti, great new single I wish you all the luck with it. Where are you touring next anywhere near Southampton?

Marti Pellow: I think the closest place will be Brighton.

Judith: Hi Marti. Did you write 'Hard to Cry and if so what was your inspiration?

Marti Pellow: Yeah I wrote that. It was the first song me and Chris wrote together. The lyric is a very simple lyric and the title is self-explanatory.

Jan/Shirley: When you're singing at concerts do you actually see the crowd, people's faces? Love from us both xxx

Marti Pellow: Absolutely! I love to see those smiling and sometimes not-so-smiling faces!

Maria & Nat: Marti!, me and my daughter, who is fourteen love you loadz! I've been a fan for years! Any plans to grow your long hair? We saw you in concert, you were wicked!! Hope you do a concert in Milton Keynes! Good luck for the future and keep it up! If the going gets tough.. go shopping! Love xx

Marti Pellow: Retail therapy - right on! No, I'm not going to grow my hair, too much maintenance.

Michelle: How many people were in that chair for the 'Close To You' video?

Marti Pellow: Six very small people!

Guest 3: Apart from 'Close to You' what other songs do you like that are currently it the chart?

Marti Pellow: Daft Punk - I like them, they're great.

Carole (Dundee): Where do you normally celebrate Hogmanay?

Marti Pellow: With family.

Claire: Hi Marti, what was the last CD you bought?

Marti Pellow: It was a record because I'm collecting vinyl again and it was Blind Johnny Guitar Watson.

Sarahxxx: When will you be next doing a concert in Nottingham? I went to see you in November and you were brilliant, and would love to see you again!

Marti Pellow: Not going to Nottingham this time, but may visit the forest.

Dom: I remember seeing you on TV doing 'Wishing I was Lucky' and grinning like the happiest man in the world with the microphone draped over your shoulder. Were you really that happy or are you a good actor?

Marti Pellow: I was very happy to be singing 'Wishing I was Lucky', and that was my dream starting to unfold.

Jo: Hello Marti, with such an amazing start to your solo career, what's been the best moment for you so far?

Marti Pellow: I think, funnily enough, doing TOTP again - I think it's so much better now that Chris Cawley does it.

Guest 5: Hi Marti, are you ever afraid you're going to run out of inspiration to write songs?

Marti Pellow: Nah, no way - there's too much going on.

Susanne: You know that it is great that you are back. I hope I´ll get the chance to see you again in Germany.

Marti Pellow: Thanks Susanne!

Danni: Hi Marti, just wanted to say I'm a mega fan, even named my son after you. Wanted to know do you have a special place or room in your house you go to when writing your songs?

Marti Pellow: The kitchen, every time it's the kitchen. That's where I recorded the song 'London Life', which is on the album.

K&S: What was it like going back to Memphis, to work with Willie Mitchell, but without the others?

Marti Pellow: When I first went to Memphis I went as a boy and came back as a man. It was very inspiring. I was much more focused as a writer.

Guest 50: How do you feel about having a day named after you in Memphis?

Marti Pellow: It still makes me laugh, I guess it's them just tipping a hat to me as a musician. They gave me the key to the city, which was a huge honour - they gave that to the likes of BB King!

Helen: Great tour and single, can't wait for album! What's been making you SMILE lately? Apart from all of your fans telling you how wonderful you are tonight! xxx

Marti Pellow: Family and friends and that question about the guy who lit his fart!

Guest 55: You have your own chat show, who would be your first three guests?

Marti Pellow: Parkinson, Elvis and my mother, 'coz she spins a good yarn.

Anja: Hi Marti!!! Who is your favourite actor/actress?

Marti Pellow: Hi Anja! I love Danny Kaye. Sidney Poitier, I think he's brilliant too and Gary Oldman, Tim Roth - the list is endless.

Lu: Can you remember doing 'Get Fresh' at Kelso (Borders) way back at the beginning, I was a baby then and been a fan ever since keep smiling permagrin xx

Marti Pellow: Yeah I do remember doing that. Our guitarist Graham Duffin went away for a haircut and just made it back before we went live on air - very stressful!

Hippy: From your reply re tight trousers - do I take it your like girls in tight trousers too?

Marti Pellow: No, just Dale Winton.

Sarah5: Where are you now while you are talking to us?

Marti Pellow: In a very plush apartment, overlooking the Seine in Paris and also, I would just like everyone to know that I'm completely naked underneath these clothes I'm wearing!

Guest 27: I missed out on your concerts at the Albert Hall due to my Honeymoon... I have my hubby here to ask you can you arrange the next tour not to coincide with our anniversary!!! I was not a happy girl!

Marti Pellow: Okay!

Guest 152: Firstly, its good to have you back!! I went to see you at your Birmingham solo concert and you received a very warm welcome. Were you pleased with the success of the tour?

Marti Pellow: Absolutely - I was really nervous at first, but the reception I received all over the country was phenomenal.

Gayle: I am a big fan of James Taylor - what is your favourite song of his apart from 'Fire and Rain'? Have you ever seen him live?

Marti Pellow: Yeah I've seen him live, he's amazing. His voice takes me home. I want to see him in Boston on July 4th. 'Walking Man' is a great favourite, but there's so many I wouldn't know where to start.

Fiona: When you were going through the bad times did you ever believe you would get back into music and whats more get your first solo single at within the Top Ten of the charts.

Marti Pellow: Yeah, I always believed I'd be involved in music, it's my passion. I'm overwhelmed to be in the top ten having had hits in the 80s, 90s and now into the 'new millennium'. Watch your back Cliff Richard.

Paul: What's your funniest moment that involves a fan?

Marti Pellow: I suppose bringing a fan onstage with me and asking them to sing, and they had an amazing voice - I was quietly surprised!

Karen: Would you ever present a television show?

Marti Pellow: Yeah, I guess I'd like to, but it depends on what the content of the show was about.

Mark Bennett: Are you aware you burp at the beginning of 'Angel Eyes'?

Marti Pellow: Oh yeah, but that's a live vocal tape, warts and all.

Guest 15: Hey Marti! What would you consider your most valuable possesion? And do you have any plans as to coming to Denmark some time in the future?

Marti Pellow: Yeah I'd love to come to Denmark. My most valuable posession is my health. Actually I'm going to Denmark next Wednesday and need somewhere to stay - can we stay at yours?!?

Nic: Hey Mart... been patiently waiting for ages then boyfriend rings and severs the connection - think he's got something against you? So then it's weird I'm reading the 'Wasp Factory' - what happened to Eric in Chapter 9? And you thought scousers never read eh!!

Marti Pellow: I'm not telling - you've got to read on!

Sue: Will there be more pictures of you on your Web site soon as I print them for my sis Chris, she's looking forward to your next tour and I think I'd better join her and Mary this time! God Bless xx

Marti Pellow: Yeah there are some new pictures coming up. I've acquired a digital camera and I'm snapping away happily.

Bette: Do you enjoy doing photo-shoots for magazines, or do you see them a necessary evil?

Marti Pellow: It depends who's taking the picture - sometimes they're great, and inspiring, and sometimes they can even make me look quite pretty (apparently!) Albert Watson is my favourite photographer.

Ingrid: Any chance of the web site fans knowing the tour dates the day before they're out?

Marti Pellow: Yes, you will - that will happen.

Guest 94: Marti you signed my sons 'Oor Wullie' book with a green crayon!! When you snapped it you said "sorry son wouldn't have happened with a blue one!" What did that mean hun?

Marti Pellow: You could be opening a can of worms here!

Lynn : Who decides where you will tour, you or the record company and will you please consider visiting Cornwall?

Marti Pellow: We did a gig in St Austell in a farmer's barn once!

Barbara S: Hi Marti. You've given up alcohol, drugs and eating meat which must have taken immense will power. Why do you still smoke? Lots of love xxx

Marti Pellow: You've got to have some vices!

Guest 60: Do you believe in destiny?

Marti Pellow: No, I think you create your own destiny (child!)

Carl: Unfortunately, that is all we have time for tonight, I would just like to thank Marti for coming in tonight and all the members and guests who have come along tonight. Marti, would you like to say a final something to the CompuServe members and guests?

Marti Pellow: Thanks for coming along for the chat! Buy the album and enjoy. Visit my web site at www.martipellow.com Love to love, Marti xxxxxxxx

Background

Born Mark McLachlan in Glasgow on 23 March 23 1965, Marti Pellow is perhaps best known as the voice of Wet Wet Wet. Formed in Clydebank in 1983, the band (Graeme Clark, Tommy Cunningham and Neil Mitchell) were first known as 'Vortex Motion', who earned a crust covering Clash songs in local bars. They later changed their name to 'Wet Wet Wet' to become one of the great British groups of the 80s and 90s. Wet Wet Wet had twenty-five UK top 40 singles and sold in excess of 15 million records including three UK number 1 hits - 'Love Is All Around' reaching number 1 in fifteen different countries.

"Being a pop star was everything I thought it would be and more," Marti says firmly. "There were screaming, adoring women everywhere, but for us it was always about music and Wet Wet Wet wrote great pop songs. When people start to look back at what we did and how we did it, they'll remember what a good group we were. I'd love to think of future generations discovering us - and they will."

After leaving Wet Wet Wet in May 1999, Marti Pellow's life was in personal and professional disarray. Once he had admitted himself to a programme of recovery, it was time to move on professionally.

Marti was an occasional song-writing contributor until "Smile", his first solo album, where he has emerged as a composer and producer. "No one is more surprised than me," he admits. "Mind you, I'm a nightmare to work with; I move very quickly; I'm a typical addict, I want it here and I want it now and nobody can understand my accent."

Recorded at various locations including Marti's spiritual home, Willie Mitchell's Royal Studios in Memphis, where a distinctly damp behind the ears Wet Wet Wet had spent the memorable summer of 1986 absorbing the soul which now infuses this new album. Marti wasn't wholly sure if his old fans would still be there... but he needn't have worried. Before Christmas, he played a sold-out tour of Britain's larger venues, including two nights at the Royal Albert Hall. It was almost as if he'd never been away.

"I knew I had a fully loaded gun with the number one singles," he smiles. "But I was more apprehensive about singing songs from "Smile" because there were no reference points for the audience, but it was important that I played these songs." And how did they go down? "Oh, quite well - it was great to see all the fans still there supporting me." His face turns to a massive grin: "It was mental, actually and I did it clean," he says proudly. "I toured with nothing, no drugs and no drink."

His first single 'Close To You', Marti says, "reminds me of writing in Memphis and the missus on the phone going, 'Come back, you're a wee island when you get out there, the pots need washing'".

Text chat and background Compuserve
Pictures Compuserve and Mercury Records