Local Music Scene

1985 was a high water mark for Nik. There were three hit singles, a world tour and an appearance at “Live Aid”.

That concert still brings back great memories for an artiste who in many ways typifies the 80s music scene

"I'd forgotten how big Live Aid was!... There were 70,000 people in the arena, 2 billion watching on television and all your peers back stage. And would your equipment work? It was nerve racking - the biggest gig I've ever done."

Listen: Nik Kershaw

 Nik talks to Chris Baxter of BBC Leicester and sings!

His music undoubtedly captures a moment tin time crystallising memories, emotions and moods. It continues to do so.

Nik is now touring again, playing smaller venues. He says: "It's a new departure for me, solo acoustic things. I've been offered them in the past, but I was too scared.

"Then I was offered a gig in Dubai and I accepted because I thought no one would know. In fact it was full of people from Hertfordshire!

"So then I accepted gigs over here.... I've found a way of making the songs work with just a guitar.

"The voice has changed quite a lot. In the 80s there was a kind of pompousness about the way people sang. Now I just relax into the songs."

Loyalty

In the 90s he produced and wrote for others. In the late 80s he wasn't having the success he had experienced so he became a "back room boy".

Remember the 80s!

He says he remains astonished at the loyalty and support of his fans. But then 80s music is once again very popular

But he became fed up with this and wanted to get back on stage.

He is now enjoying himself doing intimate acoustic sets.

"Playing old songs acoustically has brought me alive again," he says.