WHETHER he’s fronting energetic rockers Fozzy or grappling in World Wrestling Entertainment, Chris Jericho is used to the spotlight.

But for new album Judas he had to try something new - letting someone else call the shots on the record.

The group decided to work with producer Johnny Andrews, who also co-wrote several songs.

“That was something I had to compromise with, because I used to write all the lyrics and now Johnny was there and I was singing his songs,” says Chris.

“I mean, someone like Geddy Lee had to go through that with Neil Peart’s lyrics (in Rush), so I had to figure out a way to run these songs through the Chris Jericho filter and see how they related to me.”

Given that Chris is used to having an over the top character in his wrestling career, it’s not a surprise he was able to tap into a different character, boosting the songs on Judas, the group’s seventh record.

“You have to learn how to sell it,” he explains.

“All the best singers are characters – even Bruce Springsteen is playing a character onstage, because the guy you see onstage is not who you would see before a show backstage. That’s the way it should be, because people want larger than life personalities, that’s what rock n’ roll is. It’s about bombast and pomp and circumstance. At least, that’s what it is to me.”

A lifelong rock fan with a love for classic acts like AC/DC and Guns N’ Roses, Chris first formed Fozzy back in the late 1990s with guitarist Rich Ward. After a couple of albums of covers, the band started releasing their own material and through relentless touring and full on rock they’ve persuaded many a sceptic that they’re a serious act, not just a wrestler’s vanity project.

With the new album’s title track becoming their highest charting single ever, Chris believes they’re now finally getting some respect, and he has set his sights even higher.

“There were a lot of people that wouldn’t give Fozzy a chance at first,” he says.

“A lot of it was because I was in the band and we have had to work extra hard to get people’s respect, but I always knew we could go to the next level – this band can play arenas.

“We’re having our highest charting songs, older songs are getting lots of Youtube play and you can feel a residual effect, where people are going back and checking older things because of hearing Judas.”

Glasgow has always been a welcoming place for the group, who co-headline the Garage on Saturday alongside Swedish hard rockers Hardcore Superstar.

“Glasgow’s always one of our best shows because the crowds are so nuts,” adds Chris.

“Whether I’m there wresting or with Fozzy, the vibe is great. It’ll be the loudest and rowdiest crowds of the tour, there’s always lots of chants and it’s one of those cities that when you see it on the itinerary you know it will be a great show.”

Speaking of wrestling, Chris took 2016 off from the band to focus on his wrestling career again, Now a veteran of the squared circle, Chris tends to juggle his two careers, with his latest stint a fulfilling one. However he believes it’s more about being involved in successful storylines these days, rather than having great matches.

“I don’t care about taking crazy bumps or my matches being rated five stars anymore, I just want good storylines that will keep people watching their TV or staying in their seats,” he says.

“That’s what wrestling is all about. You never know when you’ll get lightning in a bottle, like I did working with the Rock, or Shawn Michaels, or Kevin Owens last year. All the matches I did with those names I mentioned had great storylines behind them and that’s what matters to me at this point.”

Fozzy, Saturday, Garage, £16, 5.30pm.