THE Saw Doctors return to the Parr Hall in Warrington next month as part of a new tour.

It is more than a dozen years since the Irish rockers had their first taste of chart success with their breakthrough single Useta Lover, which remains Ireland's biggest selling single to date.

They will be performing at the Parr Hall on Thursday, April 17.

Their success in the British Isles and the US is testimony to the timeless and transcendent appeal of big-hearted melodic hooks and heartfelt lyrics covering topics like small town adolescence, homecoming, first love, football and friendship.

A further essential ingredient is the self-mocking humour of a bunch of Christian Brothers alumni, repeatedly told as boys that they would never amount to anything.

Though the group has never strayed far from their original formula, their two-hour set - lifted from six albums - showcases the full breadth of their repertoire.

Tracks range from tender love songs to uplifting paeans to their home turf and comic numbers to uplifting anthems.

And the presence of a two-man horn section helps interweave the odd dash of reggae into the mix.

A six-song encore includes a bracing nod to singer Davy Corton's punk apprenticeship with a cover of the Undertones hit Teenage Kicks.

The show starts at 7.30pm and tickets, which cost £16, are available from the box office on 01925 442345.

jsawyer@guardiangrp.co.uk