COMPROMISE isn't a word in the vocabulary of New Wave legends Stiff Little Fingers, as singer Jake Burns explained to John Anson...

STIFF Little Fingers -- the very mention of the name will bring a knowing smile to the lips of any New Wave fan who grew up in the late '70s and early '80s.

For 25 years the band have refused to compromise their principles and have produced thought-provoking, guitar-driven songs which -- combined with explosive live performances -- put them at the forefront of New Wave.

Next month SLF will return to play a gig in Blackburn and for lead singer Jake Burns it's an appointment he can't wait to keep.

"It's been a long time since we played Blackburn -- probably too long," he said. "Basically we're bone idle and the days of a 42-date tour doesn't appeal to us any more so traditionally we've just played Manchester or Liverpool."

But on their current UK tour -- to coincide with their first new album in four years, Guitar and Drum -- SLF will be at King George's Hall on Friday, October 10.

They were encouraged to play the town by Blackburn-born music journalist and New Wave expert Alan Parker.

"I thought Blackburn had dropped off the face of the earth as far as gigs were concerned, but when Alan told me that it's very much alive we couldn't wait to play there."

The gig will feature a mixture of songs from the new album and classics such as Alternative Ulster and Suspect Device.

"We firmly believe the live shows should be a celebration of everything we've done," said Burns, who lines up alongside former Jam bassist Bruce Foxton, Ian McCallum and Steve Grantley.

"Of course we can't play them all but we do try to play the old favourites. You might think beforehand ' Do I really have to do Alternative Ulster again' but I think how disappointed would I be if I went to see the Rolling Stones and they didn't do their hits?"

Guitar and Drums sees Burns retaining his caustic wit and using his lyrics to protest about things which annoy him

"It's called Guitar and Drum and it does what it says on the tin," he laughed. "The title track is a reaction to the whole Pop Idol thing. These kids you see are no doubt talented but they should be at stage school, not in a rock band. The whole thing's more Des O'Connor than Little Richard."

By maintaining their integrity Stiff Little Fingers are now being cited by many of the emerging New Wave-style bands as a major influence.

"It's a bit like when we started, the Iggy Pop phenomenon," said Jake. "He underwent an enormous resurgence because bands said he was an influence. It'd be nice if the same happened for us."

Certainly a SLF revival looks long overdue. The new album and tour will be followed by the first book about the band -- SLF -- A Song by Song Guide, written by Jake Burns and Alan Parker, and a promotional tour will follow. After that Burns will go on the road with Pauline Black and Bruce Foxton for an acoustic tour.

"It's a good job we like having a drink together or we'd be soon sick of each other," he said.

Stiff Little Fingers play King George's Hall, Blackburn on Friday, October 10. Details from the box office on 01254 582582.