BRITISH rhythm and blues greats Nine Below Zero are set to return to Dorset as part of their current tour.

The band – who had an almost obsessive following in the 1980s – will be on stage at the Tivoli Theatre on Friday, November 27.

Joining founders Dennis Greaves and Mark Feltham for the tour is Mickey Burkey and Mark Feltham.

Formed in 1979, the band built up a legion of fans in the 1980s with their take on American blues, while maintaining the energy of punk in their live performances.

This spirit was captured in their first album, Live At The Marquee. They performed their single 11+11 on the first episode of Ben Elton’s cult BBC TV comedy The Young Ones, were featured in a South Bank Show special and supported both The Who and The Kinks.

They split up and Dennis went on to form The Truth, who enjoyed two UK top 20 hits. In 1990, Nine Below reformed for their 10th anniversary and sold out the Town and Country (now the Forum) in London.

Now more than 35 years after forming, the band is busier than ever.

They have just released a digital only best of, A to Zed and Universal are reissuing two of the band’s A&M albums, Don’t Point Your Finger and Third Degree. Both will be double CD releases, with a live performance and unreleased tracks.

Contact the Tivolo for tickets.