DEAF School were recently rated as one of the most influential British bands ever. With very good cause.

This multi-talented, eight- strong combo formed in Liverpool in 1973 and made their name as being one of the artiest, challenging, most entertaining bands around – suffice to say they always put on a cracking show.

Reforming sporadically, the band have announced two Christmas shows.

Fronted by Enrico Cadillac and Bette Bright (and numbering hit producer and Shipbuilding songwriter Clive Langer in their midst), this is a mature and elite outfit. At recent performances, audiences have included members of Madness, Glenn Matlock, Holly Johnson and Ian Broudie.

The first will be at The Jazz Cafe, London, on December 21, and then on Friday, December 23, they play the very last show at the Pacific Road Arts Centre, Birkenhead – appropriately and sadly billed as What A Way To End It All.

“I believe it’s their last show at the venue,” says Enrico.

“It’s a really sad thing, when you think about it. But we’ll make sure we give the place a party to remember. After all, we don't want to get a name for being a band that closed venues down.

“As a band, we’ve always liked unusual venues. This is the first time we’ve played here. Back in the 70s, I think we played New Brighton, but mostly it was Liverpool gigs.

“Normally we’d play the Everyman. We loved those Everyman shows.

“But with it closed, it makes us a bit more creative in where we play.

“Last year it was the O2 Academy, which we liked. It’s a good rock and roll venue to play.