IT is no wonder that in a recent Independent poll listing the most powerful people in the world of music, probably Manchester's most famous industry figure, Morrissey came in at number 77.

Since making his return back on to the radar from his Los Angeles splendour earlier this year, the former Smiths front man has already been flexing his influential muscles.

Made curator of this year's prestigious Meltdown Festival, the wily artist managed to persuade his idols the New York Dolls to reform for the event, and the group, whose fan club he was once president of, are now set to play their first show in the city in over 30 years.

The Dolls were not the only act making a long overdue comeback at the quiffed one's prompting though, as also featuring a Meltdown was former Smiths' cohort and Raymonde singer, James Maker.

After years in the musical wilderness the singer took to the stage for the first time in 10 years, backed by Noko from former dance outfit, Apollo 440.

Ever one to sight his unusual influences, Morrissey has found space in comeback shows for a tribute to Maker, belting a rendition of No One Can Hold A Candle To You.

I caught up with James at his London home to find out more about his return and his forthcoming performance at Move:

Hi James, how did the Meltdown shows go?
They were fantastic. I saw the New York Dolls, Morrissey and Lypsinka!, all the shows were stunning and I thought it was a very successful event.

How nervous were you at getting back on stage after such a long time?
Well it's been 10 years so you know. It was our first concert together as well, but once the music starts and the cloak falls it just evaporated and it was like being back home again. I was very thrilled to be there and quite an honour to play at that event.

You been a fan of the New York Dolls since your early teens, it must have been pretty exciting have the chance to support them?
Yes, absolutely. It was incredible really; I would never of thought that this could have happened in the life. I got to meet them as well and they were incredibly nice people. They played a fantastic set too; in fact I don't think they've ever played as well. I hope them getting back together leads to more touring and perhaps even a new album.

I understand they were quite a few famous names at the after show party. Do you get star struck at all?
Yes Mick Jones from The Clash was there, Primal Scream and Bob Geldof ' who I actually mistook for Germaine Greer! Everybody that I ever really liked is dead now, but if it had been Phyllis Calvert (British actress) or Hylda Baker (Manchester comedienne), then yes I guess of would have been.

How did your collaboration with Noko 440 come about?
We've been friends for a very long time, but have never worked together before. We were at a party this time last year just talking about music and I said I wanted to make an album of cheap, loud, recorded noise. A light just came on and we started to write some songs last October.

And there is single called Frankenstein set for release in August I understand.
Yes we were slowly writing an album and I received an invitation from Sanctuary Records to release a single, which was late last year. It got a good reception and I signed with them for a single about a month ago. If anything happens with that hopefully I might be able to make an album with them, which would be great.

After this upcoming Move performance the plan is to change the band name to Frankenstein as well. Why?
It was my idea. I thought James Maker and Noko 440 was too long to remember for a start really. The Frankenstein title came because it is very strong and very visual. It is also a nod to the New York Dolls track, which is my favourite song ever, but it is also Mary Shelley's reference as well.

You are best known for your time spent as lead singer of group, Raymonde. What are your overriding memories of that time?
I was in my mid to late 20s and I had a great time with that group, we were all really good friends. The tours were very good and we really enjoyed making the album Babelogue. It was an exciting time. But no particular memories stand out, but I guess that is how I know I had a great time, as I don't particularly remember any of it.

Morrissey was the curator of the festival. What did you make of his guest choices?
I thought they were fantastic. I thought it was really diverse, although I don't think he did. I think it was billed as 'drag, skiffle and political debate' and it delivered.

His comeback has so far been a huge success, what did new make of the new LP?
Yes it has. I heard it when it was first released and I think it's a very exciting time for him. I felt that it was possible that his work was actually ahead of him, and I think this album is the best he has ever produced.

Away from music you've spent that last few years freelance writing and acting. Have those two things always interested you or did they emerge late in life?
I've always written, but the acting was a bit of a surprise. I was asked to be in this film (Middleton's Changeling directed by Marcus Thompson) and that was the first time I'd really done anything like that and it was really good. I could of capitalised on that and gone for more parts but I prefer writing and singing though.

Was it the buzz of singing and performing that tempted you back on stage then?
Absolutely. I wanted to be able to, in my own way, make a difference and write a riotous record, which I hope I will do.

On the writing side, I understand you've begun writing your autobiography.
Yes, it's going well, I'm on chapter four now. The only problem is that I've realised that no one else has entered the picture yet, if you discount two local girls who set themselves on fire when David Cassidy cancelled a British tour! So I've got to put that right.

Are you planning to call any old friends to help jog your memory?
No I've decided not to call anybody. I've always been a selective amnesiac. I'm just going to try and get on with it. It's the most difficult thing I've ever done, but I aim to have it completed by the end of the year. It's easy to start things and a different matter to finish.

Next up is Move on Sunday. New York Dolls, Morrissey and all in Manchester. Does it get much better than that for you?
It doesn't really. We've spent our fee on a big Winnebago to go up in, so it's going to be a great day out for all our friends and us. I can only stay for the day unfortunately because of other commitments, but I'll be there from the start till the very end.

A side from those bands are you keen to see anyone else on the line-up?
I'm looking forward to seeing Linder Sterling. I saw her at Meltdown and she was exceptional, impeccable with great poise. I'm also interested to see The Beta Band and The Ordinary Boys as I've not heard their records.

It's quite amazing that 20 odd years after first coming into contact with Morrissey in those early days of The Smiths that your sharing the same bill, isn't it?
I know, I know, it is strange, but great. I'm really looking forward to playing the Move Festival.

Do you get back to Manchester a lot these days?
Not really, because I don't know anybody there anymore, everybody's left. I went a few months ago to the M.E.N. Arena and it has completely and utterly changed. Salford has been gentrified, as most places which were once slums have been, it's incredible.

Do you think it is a better place now?
I do, particular for the people who live there. It's full of young people. My memory is full of seeing septuagenarians walking round in raincoats or whatever. It's just changed beyond recognition and is such an exciting city. It is also city that has given so much to the world culturally.

So you consider London home now?
I have done for many years, but I'm planning to move early next year perhaps to France or Spain. I want a south-facing garden and I couldn't afford one here. It's time to change the landscape again.

James Maker with Noko 440 play Move on Sunday, July 11. Tickets are priced '30. To book call 0870 060 1768 or click here .

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