Marking his first time playing in the Republic of Ireland, Then Jerico's Mark Shaw was in great spirits last July when he was interviewed at Forever Young.

At their prime, Then Jerico scored four top 40 hits in the UK during the 1980s. The band's early line-up included singer Mark Shaw, bassist Jasper Stainthorpe, drummer Steve Wren, and guitarist Scott Taylor. The original Then Jerico line-up split up in early 1990, with Mark Shaw leaving the band to pursue a solo career.

Shaw released his only studio album, Almost, for EMI in 1991; produced by guitarist Andy Taylor and featuring singles 'Love So Bright' and 'Under Your Spell'. The 62-year-old has also worked off and on with Spandau Ballet lead singer Tony Hadley and the SAS Band.

In 1998, Shaw re-activated Then Jerico, writing the material for Orgasmaphobia, a self-financed album released on Eagle Rock. The album was co-produced by Mark Shaw and Andy Taylor with collaborations from Taylor, Simple Minds' keyboard player Mick MacNeil and author Iain Banks. Shaw embarked on a new Then Jerico tour in 2012 with an original line-up of the band, made up of Mark Shaw, guitarists Rob Downes and Scott Taylor, bass player Jasper Stainthorpe and drummer Steve Wren.

The "original" Then Jerico may have called it a day in 2014, but Mark continues to perform storming sets around the world, including for lucky Kildare fans last year at Forever Young.

"What moves I have left, I use," he laughs, interviewed by Hot Press' Jess Murray. "Decreasing number as the years go by, but I've still got a few I can whip out of the bag. Bit of Elvis, bit of Jim Morrison."

"It's my first time in Ireland! I played in Belfast a few times, back in 2012," Shaw recalls, grinning. I've done a couple of shows there but I've never even been to the Republic until two days ago. I'm not leaving! I love it. The people are lovely. It's so beautiful. The atmosphere - people want to enjoy themselves here. The music is amazing. People smile and really give themselves to the moment. Loads of people are dressed up! They're here to have fun. As long as you give them everything you've got, they like you. You know you're doing alright."

Forever Young Festival 2023 takes place this weekend (July 14-16) at Palmerstown House, Kildare. Tickets here.

Check out the interview with Mark Shaw below.