MORE than 30 years since his first foray into the music business, Ian Broudie is delighted to be back in Liverpool. He’s resurrected Lightning Seeds for a season of festival gigs, and they’re recording a new landmark album in the heart of the city.

On Sunday, he’s playing a set at Chester Rocks.

“It’s an acoustic set, which I’m looking forward to doing,” says Ian. “When you record songs, it turns them from being the songs you wrote into records somehow, but playing them really simply in an acoustic set turns them back into songs. It reminds me of when I wrote them, which is nice.”

He’ll be joined by his son, Riley – the eponymous star of the song, Life of Riley.

“It’s really enjoyable having him there, and he’s great on the guitar,” says Ian, proudly. “He’s studying in Liverpool now, and he’s really into music, so we’ve been doing a lot together. I’ve got a studio up here and I’m having a great time writing new songs.

“I can never stop writing. I’m still trying to write that elusive song I’ve been trying to pin down since I was 12,” he laughs. “You’re always trying to write that next one.”

He’s done pretty well so far. The quiet lad who grew up in south Liverpool, the second youngest of four children, went on to become one of the most talented songwriters of his generation.

His knack for writing perfect pop with a bitter-sweet edge has given him a 34-year career in the music industry.

Plus, he has an ear for new music that has seen him spot the early talents and go on to produce The Coral, The Zutons and I Am Kloot, as well as Echo & the Bunnymen, The Pale Fountains, Shack, The Icicle Works and The Fall.

“When I was growing up, I never thought I was actually going to be able to make records. Pretty early on I realised I wasn’t going to make it as a footballer, so I picked up a guitar. But, really, I never imagined that at the age I am now that I’d still be doing this. It seemed too good to be true. I do feel very lucky in that way.”