IT will be 13 years this year since G4 first came to the public’s attention when the classical crossover group caused a sensation on X Factor.

The quartet’s blend of opera voices, boy band looks and covers of pop and rock songs including Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, had never been seen before.

But after four years in the spotlight, a number one album and several sold out tours, G4 split with the members launching individual careers. After a seven-year break they reunited and now with a new album Love Songs out last month, they are heading into a series of live dates including a show at Warrington’s Parr Hall next Thursday.

“It’s strange to say it, but it almost feels as though this is the start for us now,” said band member Jonathan Ansell.

“The previous tours and albums were fabulous, the reunion shows were so well received, however with the new album and the tour it feel as though we have put a stamp on our music. It’s almost like we’re going ‘Look, we are on the map, we are still about, we are still an incredible group loving what we do’.”

Jonathan said that none of G4 has any regrets about their earlier split and he even believes that it has helped the band in the long term.

He said: “We grew a lot in the time were were apart both as individuals and then subsequently as a group. We have learned so much about our individual techniques, our styles and appreciation of different genres.

“Being able to be an individual for seven years was an incredible opportunity and then to bring that energy and expertise back into the group has, I think, made us even stronger and more informed and more passionate about what we were doing.”

Older and wiser, G4 are, says Jonathan, also more in control of things.

“It was hell of a learning curve initially with the X Factor thrusting us into the limelight in just a matter of weeks,” said Jonathan.

“We really were in at the deep end and it was a case of sink or swim. The industry, the media, every element is so different to how you are trained at music college so you are having to learn as you go. It feels like your feet don’t touch the ground.

“Now I feel we are all grounded and aware of the pitfalls but also the pros. We know the direction we’d like to take ourselves in and we are now in the driving seat to hopefully realise that and along with the support of the fanbase to make that a reality.

“It makes certainly you pinch yourself more doing it second time around.”

G4 were at the forefront of the classical crossover movement which has gone from strength to strength.

Jonathan added: “We proved there was an appetite for that style of music. I think we tapped into an audience that had gone away from knowing what to listen to. I think ourselves and other artists are bringing styles of music which people actually want and it’s very exciting to see that audience growing more and more every year.”

The tour heading to Warrington next week will feature all the songs from G4’s new Love Songs album which range from covers of Elvis Presley’s Can’t Help Falling in Love to Meat Loaf’s I’d Do Anything for Love, which also features leading soprano Lesley Garrett.

“One of the hardest things is choosing which songs to do in the show,” said Jonathan.

“But we will be doing Nessum Dorman and Bohemian Rhapsody which we know the fans expect and we still love to do. With the tour coming up it will be a bit mad but it’s going to be good. I just hope we get to sleep somewhere along the way.”

n G4 perform at the Parr Hall next Thursday, March 2. Visit pyramidparrhall.com or call 442345 for tickets.

JOHN ANSON