"My manager died and I went mentally west of central for a good few months," explains the amiable Sheffield muso who pulled a lengthy tour of Holland during a very dark period.

Now, as well as new romance in his life and a load of hometown gigs, Ian's out for three months playing an ongoing festival called Popronde which takes place in the big Dutch cities weekly and features about 150 of the country's best acts. It follows shows he did there 18 months ago which garnered loyal support that hasn't faded.

"The jewel in the crown is I'm supporting Stephens Stills at The Paradiso, the most famous venue in Holland, because the Paradiso like what I'm doing," says Ian.

It's a marked transformation from earlier this year. Ian, who has released two solo albums, reckons things got pretty bad for him: "I was close to the edge but luckily realised I was being silly and didn't actually do owt daft... just thought a little too much about it.

"I'm good now though; been blessed with rather a wonderful new woman and am finding my space to be me again."

Ian now plans to put out a new EP of "two brand new tunes and a few previously unreleased ventures" via iTunes, where you can also download his albums.

Catch Ian live at The RedHouse on Sunday, The Harley on Monday and Washington on Thursday.


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