A STYLISH pop icon who has been writing chart hits with flamboyance and flair since the 1980s is ready to bring his love language to Greenock. 

Martin Fry, frontman of 1980s band ABC, will be performing at Beacon Arts Centre on Saturday, October 12. 

The singer will present ABC - An Intimate Evening With Martin Fry, a show that's described as 'a look at life, and a look of live'. 

Martin's Greenock performance will be an evening of stripped-back music and conversation, with his vocals accompanied by acoustic guitar and piano.

The stylish star said he's looking forward to seeing the 'inspirational views' from the Beacon when he visits for the first time. 

He told the Tele: "I'm feeling really good about it all. 

"I've played some huge orchestral shows in recent years but it's the right time to play shows that are much more intimate. 

"I'll be singing, telling some jokes and some wonderful stories, and will share my adventures with the audience. 

"ABC had a lot of adventures back when we started in the 80s. 

"It will be an evening of celebration."

ABC evolved from another band called Vice Versa and arrived on the scene in 1980. (Image: Gered Mankowitz)

They achieved ten UK and five US top 40 hit singles between 1981 and 1990, and their 1982 debut studio album, The Lexicon of Love, was a UK number one.

Some of their best known songs are The Look of Love, Poison Arrow, and When Smokey Sings. 

Martin's tour of the UK coincides with the release of his autobiography, A Lexicon of Life. 

He said: "I've been asked to write an autobiography over the years but kind of never got round to it. 

"It's been nice to reflect on where we started and some of our adventures through music, right up to the present day. 

"I thought it was right in 2024 to take stock and write the story."

The collectors' edition of the book is bound in a gold fabric designed by Martin's good friend, William Hunt of Savile Row. 

Martin said: "Suits have been such a big part of ABC over the years. 

(Image: A Way With Media)
"That's why we wanted to book to be dressed the same as me!

"We've recorded an acoustic album that goes along with it, and there's a reproduction of all the hand-written lyrics in exercise books."

Martin says the power of the music of the 1980s is still felt very strongly in the world today.

He believes music is a 'tool for change' and can help to influence society. 

Martin added: "The 1980s were a very aspirational time. 

"There was a whole generation who felt ignored, and tried to dress differently from their parents, but there was always a sense of optimism.

"It was a very different world back then."

(Image: A Way With Media)

The singer songwriter said he's looking forward to bringing that power of the 1980s to Greenock when he meets his Inverclyde fans. 

Martin added: "Music goes through different eras and is such a powerful memory tool for people. 

"A piece of music can really touch you and make you think about the world and how it's all put together 

"I'm amazed and grateful that there's an audience out there that still wants to hear our music. 

"I'm not quite at the finishing line, and not on my victory lap just yet!"

To book visit www.beaconartscentre.co.uk/events/abc-an-intimate-evening-with-martin-fry or call 01475 723723.