Since Tears Are Not Enough, ABC's first single, made the UK top 20 in 1981, lead singer Martin Fry has been on what he describes as "a rollercoaster ride."

During a decade filled with era-defining hits from their six studio albums, the group went through numerous line-up changes and departures, until Fry was, eventually, the only continuing member.

Looking back on how he has withstood the test of time and is able to still be doing what he loves under the same guise more than 30 years later, the 57-year-old reflected: "It was all about growing up in public then, I guess - I've been on one helluva ride over the years, really. When I look back on it now, I say the apprenticeship is over."

When he first started out, with a new wave sound that signified the 1980s, and in the infamous gold suit that he teases has been the secret to his success, the music industry was a very different place.

So, what does someone whose material has spanned the generations think of the changes and of what artists and music itself are now?

"For me, writing and recording are two very different mediums. your soul has to shine through in both for it to mean anything, and that will always be.

"But, there is a faster turn over of talent these days. It has become very demanding on the newer acts," he said 

"Having a back catalogue and a body of songs has become an advantage.  Finding your own voice is the key to success. Beating to your own rhythm is what will set you apart."

Despite the various reincarnations that have been par for the course in his career, Fry has still managed to find - and hold on to - that rhythm that his fans look for. 

He knows what they expect from him, and, while never shying away from the crowd-pleasers, this is one performer who also acknowledges how important it is to evolve and bring something different each and every time he steps on to a stage.

And, that is exactly what he will be looking to do next month, as he embarks on his latest set of shows across the UK.

The Lexicon of Love tour is set to be a blend of the old and the new, showcasing all the classics from the album that first propelled ABC into the spotlight with a twist, as Fry is backed by the Southbank Sinfonia Orchestra.

And, no stranger to being on the road, he cannot wait to get started.

He said: "I am really looking forward to the orchestral shows. Playing with the Southbank Sinfonia is always something special. The show is spectacular. The Lexicon of Love as a song cycle works well in this setting - it has been a case of so far so good.

"There are many of my songs that I am proud of, like All of My Heart - that felt good - but, performing in 2015, you have to leave your past behind even though the songs stretch through a 25 year period. 

"The show has to be better than than the records. These are different times we are in now."

Scots will get the chance to see  "something special" when Fry's tour stops off at Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, and he shares that what he is most looking forward to is that, with a Scottish crowd, things are never dull.

"I especially love getting chance to go to Scotland. It's all about the audience.  They’re always high spirited and exuberant," he added.  

Given all of the twists and turns he has had to endure, the success and the time that has come and gone with it, many would be forgiven for thinking that Fry may look to take things down a notch or two after this year's run ends.

But, that could not be further from the truth, for this is one rollercoaster that the frontman is in no hurry to get off just yet. 

When asked what he still has to tick off his 'to do' list, he explained: "Just now, I’m recording a follow up to the Lexicon of Love, which will reflect the changes that take place in all our lives. I want it to be sound good - a simple ambition."

ABC's The Lexicon of Love comes to Glasgow on Thursday, November 5th.

To book tickets, go to www.ticketmaster.co.uk