Tilbrook and Nine Below Zero on stage

The south London post-punk R'n'B outfit are currently collaborating with the Squeeze frontman for a new EP in Glenn's studio. And they'll taking to the stage together for the first time on their forthcoming tour of Ireland.

Nine Below Zero's Denis Greaves said: "We've known Glenn for years. We supported Squeeze on their American tour in 1985. We recorded our last album in Glenn's studio and this is the first time we've recorded together."

Glenn and Denis are neighbours, living a couple of minutes away from Charlton Athletic's football ground, The Valley.

"Now when I go into the studio I don't have to block out the rest of my life," said Denis. "I can lead a normal life and still record. I think that vibe really helped our last album."

Glenn told the 'MAIL': "We've been talking about doing stuff for ages. I'm a big fan of Nine Below Zero. It's really fantastic to be doing something together."

Speaking of how he keeps his enthusiasm levels high Glenn said: "I think that being jaded arises out of disappointment. We all suffer that at various points. When you put your heart and soul into something there are real highs and real lows. What you've got to do is keep picking yourself up and approaching things with a positive attitude."

Nine Below Zero burst onto the music scene in 1980 with debut album, Live At The Marquee. They appeared on the first ever episode of the Young Ones performing their hit single '11X11'. Since 1991 the band has included former Rory Gallagher band bassist Gerry McAvoy.

Glenn Tilbrook rose to fame in Squeeze alongside Chris Difford. His solo work of recent years has also won him critical acclaim.

The long-time allies promised the Belfast show would be a mixture of the best bits through the years from both Squeeze, Nine Below Zero and Glenn's solo projects.

Denis said: "Fans in Belfast are going to see a side of Glenn we've seen and not many others have seen. They're going to see another side of us as well. Four chords in one song!"

Nine Below Zero and Glenn Tilbrook play Spring and Airbrake on Friday, March 26 at 8pm. Tickets cost 23.