A MUSICIAN who is being backed by an award-winning record producer will be performing in his hometown of Bolton tomorrow night — before he embarks on his first nationwide tour.

Singer songwriter Alex James Brierley — whose music is given airplay on BBC Radio which has built him a following— will be supporting cult rocker Ginger Wildheart tomorrow at Bar Metro before performing in every major city and town across the country playing an acoustic gigs in Caffe Nero shops, a platform which musicians have used to establish themselves.

Alex released his debut single Listen, at the start of the year.

The 20-year-old who hails from Horwich, said: "Its great to be back performing in my home town, the last time I did was supporting scouting for girls at the Macron Stadium.

"It's always special performing in front of Bolton people.

"When my manager told me about the gig, I was wow, the strange thing is I was listening to Ginger Wildheart's 'If you find yourself in London town'' only one hour before I got the call — I am a fan of his music."

He added: "The audience can expect a fantastic night, the venue is picking up a massive reputation in music circles and this gig for me is as big if not bigger than the Macron stadium, I am more experienced now even though I am only 20, and I believe from the feedback I get from fans and people who have come to watch me recently that my music will and show will hit the spot and the fans will have a great night."

Alex is being supported in his musical ambitions by Steve Levine and is recording in the in the world famous Abbey Road Studios. Steve has worked with some of the leading names in the industry including The Clash. He produced Culture Club's studio albums as well as composing film and television scores. His music is being aired by BBC Radio and will be playing at the world famous Cavern Club in Liverpool in March 27.

He will be performing in the UK's major cities as part of the Caffe Nero tour, which starts in Manchester this month and will have gig at the Bolton coffee shop.

"The Caffe Nero tour is a massive opportunity for me, I am getting to play in every major city in the country and playing my music to new fans everywhere, I am really excited about this tour and thanks Caffe Nero for believing in me," he said, "It's my first British tour and I am going to really put everything into it, it will last through until October.

"I am even playing a gig at Heathrow Airport as well as Caffe Nero at the BBC Broadcast house in London, Leicester Square in London.

"I am also doing Caffe Nero in Bolton which again will be great. I am so excited about this tour. Newton Faulkner's rise to fame came courtesy of the Caffe Nero tour so I know Caffe Nero has got a great taste when it comes to music."

Alex has recently performed at the BBC in London with Nick Randell for a Radio One show and a live session with BBC with presenter Dave Monks.

He said: "I am told by BBC that the station was swamped with calls requesting my debut single 'Listen' that made me feel great knowing that people enjoy my music ,that's what it's all about with me connecting with people and bringing them joy with my music.

"Soon I will be going on Radio Two with the very well respected Whistling Bob Harris who you may remember presented the Old Grey Whistle Test — a show that is being brought back at the end of this month."

The upcoming singer will be recording the rest of his album with Steve, starting with the recording of a song called Head Over Heels, which he will play at tomorrow night's gig

Anyone wishing to go to the Cavern Club in March 27 will receive a free ticket and travel and can book their place on the coach by contacting Alex via his website alexjamesbrierley.com

Date for the Caffe Nero tour can be found on the website — with the gig in Bolton being pencilled in for April.