PUNK rock legend TV Smith is returning to Bolton on January 26 as part of his latest European tour.

The founder member, vocalist and songwriter of London punk outfit The Adverts, will play the Alma Inn, in Bradshawgate, with support from folk punkers Arms and Hearts, Dog Coffee and Alistair McGeorge.

The show marks only the second time TV Smith has played in Bolton in a career spanning more than 40 years and comes ahead of his latest album release, due later this year.

TV Smith said he was looking forward to returning to the town, adding: “It’s a long time since I have played in Bolton and it is a nice chance to get a gig in a small pub, up close and personal.

“I’m actually on a never ending tour, and it is a fabulous period in my career. It is great to have people come out and see live music.”

Formed in 1976, The Adverts became one of the leading bands of the first wave of British punk rock.

After being signed to Stiff Records and gaining cult success with debut single One Chord Wonders, the band broke through with their next release, Gary Gilmore’s Eyes.

After another charting release, No Time To Be 21, the band toured throughout 1977 with The Damned and Iggy Pop.

Their debut album, Crossing The Red Sea With The Adverts, considered one of the greatest punk albums, was released in 1978, and this year celebrates its 40th anniversary.

The outfit would go on to release only one more album, Cast of Thousands, in October 1979, before breaking up soon after.

After their split TV Smith formed TV Smith’s Explorers, who would go to achieve a hit with their 1980 single Tomahawk Cruise and produce one album The Last Words Of The Great Explorer in 1981.

However, a year later they were dropped by their label due to lack of commercial success, precipitating their subsequent split.

After a stint a fronting new band, Cheap, between 1986 and 1991, TV Smith went solo with LP March Of The Giants, and has since gone on to release seven further albums, including most recently I Delete in 2014.

Still embodying the original values and DIY ethos of the first punk movement, TV Smith remains a prolific live artist, touring the world and playing over 120 gigs a year to ever-increasing audiences.

As TV Smith makes his first appearance at the Alma Inn he will deliver a punchy set featuring classic Advert’s music and songs from throughout his illustrious career.

But fans can expect more than just a nostalgia trip as, the show will also boast a few unreleased tracks ahead of his new album.

Entry is by donation.

TV Smith said: “People and live venues are struggling and the main thing is that we want people to come, so if you’re really struggling and can’t afford to pay much, come anyway.”