Still golden (brown)

Whether it’s the boy-turned-man band chart toppers, or the artistes who have retained their cult following, it seems like everyone is taking another shot at the fame game.

But for progressive punk outfit The Stranglers, there’s no need to worry – because they’ve always been around, whether churning out tunes or reclining, just temporarily, in the musical ether.

The group – who first appeared in 1977 with debut album Rattus Norvegicus – appeared back on the scene last year, releasing the first album in six years and following it up with a circuit of festival gigs and a tour of the UK and Europe.

Before that, it was a re-signing to EMI IN 2004, producing two critically-acclaimed studio albums – so you could also say that they’ve had their comeback twice over, and are back for even more.

The Stranglers play the 02 Academy on Saturday, and – with 24 top 40 singles over four decades – they have an extensive back catalogue to draw on (Peaches, No More Heroes, Golden Brown, Strange Little Girl – to name just a few).

Critics have hailed the new material as close to vintage, menacing and snarling – so rest assured, these old punks are fighting to remain on form.

n Doors open 7pm, and tickets cost £23, from 0844 477 2000.