Last New Year's Eve Jake Burns had two predominant wishes for 2006: To release his long-awaited solo album and witness his beloved Newcastle United win the FA Cup.

The latter dream may subsequently have been shattered for another season but, after a ten-year delay, the Stiff Little Fingers frontman's other ambition has finally been realised.

Originally conceived as a slice of what Burns calls "Irish punk", the album was consigned to the vaults, thanks to his constant touring commitments with the legendary rockers.

"A million albums like it came out in the interim, so that put the kibosh on that approach," he reflects on the initial concept.

Eventually, though, Burns "ended up laughing more than I should have done for someone who was supposedly working".

Embracing a more traditionally Irish sound than his better known band exploits, Drinkin' Again pulses with warmth from the Emerald Isle, whether celebrating Burns's fondness for drinking unprecedented amounts of rum or discussing political issues of the sort SLF became famous for highlighting.

"I never thought I'd hear these tunes beyond the original demos I made all those years ago, so I'm really excited to get the damn thing made," he enthuses. But his heart remains with the band he formed nearly 30 years ago.

Adding to the long list of personnel changes during their career, original bass player Ali McMordie has rejoined following the departure of ex-Jam bassist Bruce Foxton.

"It's almost like going to watch a car crash, isn't it?" said Burns of touring.

"'Are they gonna fall on their faces?' It's gonna be entertaining one way or the other, you know? So I think a lot of people probably come along thinking, 'They're gonna be too old, they're gonna be fat, they're gonna be past it'.

"I think people expect us to sort of come on and stand on stage and tap our foot or whatever, because obviously we were always very energetic on stage. And I think everybody had expected us to have changed from that. But I guess we'll be here 'til we can't do it anymore.

Starts at 7.30pm, tickets cost £13. Call 01273 673311