A summer’s night in Glasgow Green last year inspired Wet Wet Wet to return to the studio.
The Clydebank group is back with a UK tour next month and an updated greatest hits album tomorrow, which includes three new tracks.
But it was that concert in July 2012, their first in five years, that helped them realise they still had unfinished business together.
“It surprised us that Glasgow Green was as successful as it was,” admitted bassist Graeme Clark. “It whetted our appetite.”
Singer Marti Pellow continued: “Once we started talking about going out and doing some shows this year, the record company came to us with plans for a greatest hits album, but we wanted to put some new stuff on it.
“So we got together and sat around a piano and guitar and tried to stay focused on what we wanted.
“The three new songs sit very well with the rest of the album. They sound like Wet Wet Wet today.
“We embraced our pop sensibilities, because at the end of the day that’s what we are, a pop group.”
There aren’t many places in Glasgow the Wets haven’t played, but the final date of the tour will see them play the Hydro for the first time.
“The place looks great and we can’t wait to get inside and play,” Graeme said.
“But I can’t believe it’s not been given a nickname yet by the locals!”
The foursome insists there are bigger things to come from the group in 2014.
“When we were young and first started, we were in the back bedroom making a racket and holding on to a dream, and here we are four decades later,” Graeme said.
“I feel really blessed that I’m still talking to people about Wet Wet Wet. It never ceases to amaze me.
“This band isn’t going anywhere. We’re too long in the tooth now and we have big plans for next year.
“I hope we make time to make more new music together and maybe a record company will be interested.Right now this is just a toe in the water.”
Marti added: “We hope to do a full album and some more stuff in 2014.
“Our schedules are choc-a-block, but we’ve promised each other we will always make time for one another. The camaraderie is definitely still there.”
n Step By Step The Greatest Hits is out tomorrow and the boys play Newcastle Arena and Glasgow’s Hydro on December 17 and 19.
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