HE may have been a key figure in The Beautiful South for nearly two decades but Dave Hemmingway insists there is life without their former frontman Paul Heaton.

The chart-topping band split in January 2007 citing 'musical similarities' having sold 15 million records over 19 years.

But two years later former members Dave, Alison Wheeler and Dave Stead reformed under the name The South and released their debut album, Sweet Refrains, in November 2012.

Now the band is back on the road with Dave sharing vocal duties with Alison and they will performing at the Parr Hall on October 25.

Coincidentally their former band mates Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott are playing on the same stage just weeks later on December 1.

The pair reunited last year and their album, What Have We Become, reached number three in the charts.

Dave said: "Obviously Paul's not there and we have to make up for it in the best way that we can. Paul's out there doing his own thing with Jacqui Abbott and I'm sure there's enough room for both of us in the world to be going out there playing some songs."

The South's set will be a mix of Beautiful South classics like A Little Time, Don't Marry Her and Rotterdam and new material.

Fans can take comfort in the knowledge that despite Heaton's departure to pursue solo projects, the reformed group hasn't strayed from its musical roots.

Heaton's lyrics were intelligent, incisive and witty and a refreshing antidote to lame brained, manufactured pop. Devotees can expect more of the same from The South.

Dave added: "With the new songs if we try to do anything different in terms of musical style we'd probably fall on our faces a bit. I think we're best to stick to our strengths which is pop songs, really.

"Pop songs with intelligent lyrics is what we strive to do. The songs on the new album continue in the same vein."

Dave worked with Paul in The Housemartins between 1983 and 1988. He played drums in the indie group that was the forerunner to The Beautiful South.

Bassist Norman Cook was also in the band before going on to have huge success as DJ Fat Boy Slim.

So after more than 25 years in the music industry, what are his personal highlights?

The 54-year-old said: "I've been very fortunate to be involved in music for that length of time because usually it's quite a fickle and short-lived career. I've been very lucky.

"The highlight for me personally was playing the main stage at Glastonbury. REM were the headline act and it was just a magical moment and I look back in that with fond memories."

I have a Beautiful South DVD recorded live when they played Delamere Forest and it's a highly entertaining watch, rather like watching a bunch of mates making music and enjoying every second of it.

Dave, who released a solo album called Hello Cruel World, assures me that this isn't for effect - they all get on well off stage too.

He said the band are also happy to play smaller venues like the Parr Hall.

Dave added: "I always felt when we did play the big arenas we weren't necessarily suited to it. With these sort of places I think it makes for a better gig in some cases."

- The South play at the Parr Hall on October 25. Tickets are £20. Visit pyramidparrhall.com or call 442345.

RICK BOWEN