Jade Wright meets Miles Hunt, the Wonder Stuff singer and culture enthusiast

FIVE years ago singer Miles Hunt and renowned fiddle player Erica Nockalls took to the road for a six week tour performing acoustic versions of old and new songs by 1980s and 1990s indie band The Wonder Stuff.

Their stripped-down versions proved so popular that it resulted in what they’ve now dubbed as the “never-ending tour”.

Now the loved-up couple return to play the After 8 series, which takes place in the Philharmonic Hall’s Rodewald Suite, due to popular demand, playing their own tunes and Wonder Stuff favourites.

“It’s always a great night, the audience is very mixed and very attentive,” chuckles Miles. “The After 8 thing is so popular that a lot of people buy tickets whoever is on, which means you get to play to people who wouldn’t necessarily come and see us in another venue. You get all ages, but the thing which unites them is that they’re real music fans.

“I only wish all of our shows were like this. Do you think they could bottle it?”

Over the years, Miles has played at venues across the city.

“You can always have a good time with a Liverpool audience,” he explains.

“I’ve been playing gigs in Liverpool since 1987, at least one a year, so this is at the very least my 25th time – a Silver Jubilee, if you like.”

After they play the Rodewald Suite, Miles and Erica are looking forward to a night in the city.

“Prowsey [Ian Prowse from Liverpool band Amsterdam] usually leads us astray when we’re in town,” laughs Miles.

“We call him the unofficial mayor of Liverpool, because everywhere we go, everyone knows him. We’re really looking forward to seeing him and meeting his baby girl for the first time.

“We love going out in Liverpool. It has such a good atmosphere. We live out in the sticks nowadays, so it’s great to come to the bright lights and go to some decent pubs and music venues.

“I love that you have classical music venues two minutes from venues where unsigned bands get their first gigs, then there’s folk and jazz and pop all cheek by jowl.

“There are more music venues in one city than in two or three other cities around the country put together. Then you’ve got the galleries and the museums and all the amazing architecture.

“I know Liverpool isn’t Capital of Culture any more, but it should be. They should have let you keep hold of it.”