Hugh Cornwell Returns to Liverpool with Nosferatu Reborn

Few musicians have shaped British rock like Hugh Cornwell. As the original frontman and songwriter for The Stranglers, Cornwell was the creative force behind timeless tracks such as Golden Brown, Peaches, Always The Sun, and No More Heroes.

Now, the legendary artist is bringing his November 2025 UK Tour to Liverpool’s Hanger 34 on Saturday 8th November, promising fans something unique — a full-band performance of his 1979 album Nosferatu played from start to finish for the very first time.

Supporting Cornwell on this highly anticipated run are The Courettes, an explosive Denmark–Brazil duo whose mix of garage rock, Wall of Sound, and 60s girl-group soul has earned them a cult following.

Before the tour kicks off, I caught up with Hugh to talk about revisiting Nosferatu, his creative process, reflections on his legacy, and his love for Liverpool’s rich musical heritage.

What can audiences expect from your Liverpool show at Hanger 34?

We’re going to play Nosferatu from beginning to end — which I’ve never done before. That’s going to be really interesting for me and the band. After that, we’ll play a track from my next album through the PA, and then we’ll dive into some Stranglers favourites and solo material. It’s definitely going to be a show with something for everyone.

You’ve got a huge back catalogue between your solo work and your time with The Stranglers. How did you decide what to include in the setlist?

Yeah, that’s always the tricky part! I’ve got about ten solo albums and ten Stranglers albums to choose from, so there’s no shortage of material. It’s not hard because there’s nothing to play — it’s hard because there’s too much to choose from. We made a few small changes recently, but Nosferatu is set in stone.

It’s been a while since you were last on stage. Do you still get the same buzz when performing live?

Ask me after the first couple of shows! [Laughs] It’s been a little while — Glastonbury was the last big one — but it always comes back. You dust off the cobwebs, get back into shape, and once you’re up there, it all feels natural again.

Let’s talk about the creative process. How do you approach songwriting these days?

I’m always thinking about the next album. I’ve been working on a new one on and off this year, and it’s going really well. I’ll be in full overdrive mode next year because I want it out in 2027. I’ve got about half of it ready so far.

Has technology changed the way you record compared to the early days?

Completely. Back then, the record company would book a studio for a few weeks, and everything had to be done within that time — there wasn’t much space for creativity. It was like painting by numbers.

Now, I’ve got my own studio and no label breathing down my neck. I can take my time and experiment. Sometimes I go in with just a lyrical idea or a riff and see where it leads. That’s when the magic happens — when you leave space for surprise.

You’ve influenced so many artists across generations. How do you view your legacy today?

Honestly, I don’t really think about it — I’m still alive! [Laughs] When I stop touring, maybe I’ll have the time to reflect. But for now, I’m still on the road, still building it.

There is a legacy, I suppose, but I try not to dwell on it. That’s why I left The Stranglers — I didn’t want to keep celebrating anniversaries. I’m revisiting Nosferatu because it’s such an unusual record, but generally, nostalgia isn’t what it used to be.

Let’s talk about Liverpool — a city with such a deep musical history. Do you feel that energy when you play here?

Definitely. I’ve played Liverpool quite a few times, including The Cavern, and it’s always a great crowd. I’ve always been a Billy Fury fan — my friend made a great documentary about him, actually.

Liverpool was such an important gateway for music. It’s where the American records first came into the UK, and that influence shaped everything. Without that connection, we wouldn’t have the kind of rock music we know today.

What’s next for you after this tour?

I’ll be touring through the winter — in different parts of the world — and when I’m not on the road, I’ll be back in the studio working on the new album. So yeah, it’s full steam ahead.

Matthew; Thank you for you time and best wishes.

Hugh , Thank you so much, Matt.

As our chat wraps up, Hugh’s dry humour and sense of purpose remain as sharp as ever. He’s an artist still pushing forward — not content to live in the past, but instead finding new ways to keep his creativity alive.

Liverpool can look forward to a night that celebrates not just Nosferatu, but a body of work that has defined generations of British music.

“I’m really looking forward to coming back to Liverpool, It’s always a great city to play — the crowds have such passion. It’s going to be a great night.”