A LOT has happened in the last 15 years.

In the year 2000 reality TV was a relatively new concept, social media didn't exist, and Google hadn't long launched - let alone iTunes, MP3 players and streaming. Email was just an emerging trend, and the idea that you could download a film in under an hour was ludicrous.

And, at the turn of the century, a little known songwriter called Damon Gough was poised to release his debut full-length album under the name Badly Drawn Boy.

The critically acclaimed The Hour of Bewilderbeast — which features members of Alfie and Doves as backing musicians — went on to scoop the Mercury Music prize in the same year, catapulting Mr Gough into the limelight.

Fast forward to today and the Breightmet-raised songwriter is poised to return to Manchester to play that album in its entirety — which will no doubt delight his long-standing fan base.

Damon said: "It has been a while so for now I have re-released my first album to test the water. On this tour I'll be playing it from start to finish in the first hour, and in the second half will be pretty much whatever I want. I'd like to do a few with the band and a few on my own, so there will be a mixture.

"Performing and recording are two different things. I probably prefer writing and recording to be honest, but once you get on a roll with playing gigs and going on tour, it's great."

The 45-year-old is taking to the stage at the Bridgewater Hall on July 31 as part of his anniversary tour — but the musician has revealed that he would like nothing better than to play a venue a little closer to home.

Damon said: "I would have liked to include a gig in Bolton at somewhere like the Octagon Theatre or the Albert Halls once it has been finished. Hopefully I will be able to in the future.

"My mum and dad still live in Harwood and my brother lives in Horwich, so I still visit a lot. I was at a tribute gig there just recently for the Bolton comedian Hovis Presley, who died 10 years ago. I was a good friend of his and we used to play gigs together."

Gough stepped away from music three years ago after splitting up with his partner Clare of 16 years, with who he has two children.

But although it "really knocked me back", Damon has revealed that fans can expect new material from Badly Drawn Boy next year.

Damon said: "I'm writing new material and hope to have another tour at the tail end of this year and then record the new album next year.

"It is pretty far removed from Bewilderbeast because it is me 15 years on from then. I have several songs that I am really pleased with, so I know I'm going to make a really good album."

To find out more visit badlydrawnboy.co.uk. For tickets to the Manchester show, visit bridgewater-hall.co.uk/whats-on.