New Wave never went away, as far as Stiff Little Fingers are concerned. Their records and shows are as popular as ever. As they prepared to play in East Lancashire, JOHN ANSON spoke to frontman Jake Burns. . .

THE last time Stiff Little Fingers played King George's Hall, the "house full" signs went up and scores of disappointed fans were turned away.

Four men climbing the steps to enter Blackburn's main concert venue were told by a couple heading in the opposite direction to not even bother trying to get in without a ticket.

"I told them I thought we would be all right." said Jake Burns, the genial Irishman who has fronted SLF for over 25 years.

Now the band are back in town on Sunday night as part of a seemingly never-ending tour which has seen them play sell-out shows all over America and in the UK.

"I am beginning to get the feeling that I do indeed live in a hotel room," said Jake Burns. "But we are all really looking forward to Blackburn. The last gig there was astounding. We got an incredible reception."

With their guitar-driven sound and intelligent lyrics, Stiff Little Fingers rank among New Wave's great survivors. A string of hits such as Alternative Ulster, Suspect Device and Tin Soldiers have won them a fan base whose enthusiasm for the band is legendary.

"I think they know more about what I'm doing than I do," said Jake.

But their latest album, Guitar and Drum, has caused a new generation to discover the band.

"It was particularly noticeable in America," said Jake. "Due to their licensing laws, some of the venues we played could only admit over-21s and the crowds there were half of those for the all-age venues.

"It helps when modern bands name-check us as an influence. I think there were as many Green Day T-shirts in the crowd as SLF ones when we played."

The Guitar and Drum album has proved to one of the band's most popular ever.

"I think what it has shown to me is that I can be a professional musician as long as possible," said Jake. The songs are among the best we have done.

"I think by the end of this tour there will only be a couple off the album which we won't have played live, which is very unusual.

"Usually you can pick the four or five tracks which will go down well in concert, but with Guitar and Drum every song gets a great reaction."

After over 25 years together -- and the last six months spent constantly on the road -- how do the band maintain their obvious enthusiasm for playing live?

"We have always said that we are friends first and musicians second," said Jake. "The only time we are likely to fall out is if three of us go down to the pub and don't tell the other one. I really can't understand bands who arrive separately at gigs or never talk to each other. I suppose we have that 'last gang in town' mentality that the Clash had."

With touring set to continue until December, Jake Burns has somehow got to try and find the time to get married and move to America in the next few weeks.

Then in January he plans to work on a long-awaited solo album.

"I wrote the songs several years ago and, as the next SLF album isn't planned until 2006, EMI have asked me about a solo project, so it's just a matter of dusting them down and getting in the studio. It's finding the time that's the problem."

But the current tour remains at the top of the band's priority list and Sunday's gig is one they have all been looking forward to.

"If it's anything like the last time it'll be one to remember." said Jake.

Stiff Little Fingers play King George's Hall, Blackburn, on Sunday. Details from the box office on 01254 582582.