EQUALLING Elvis's record of a dozen top 30 singles released in a year ensured The Wedding Present secured their place in rock history.

While their frontman David Gedge may not be able to quite conjure the king’s powerful soul vocals, this affable Yorkshireman’s offbeat odes to love, loss and revenge have retained a devoted following.

His group’s achievement back in the heady pre-Britpop days of 1992 gave them their first (and only to date) top 10 single, Come Play With Me.

Needless to say, music companies today would have a heart attack at suggestions of repeating such an admittedly media-friendly trick.

"At the time we didn’t think anything of it, but it was a unique project. We’d done about four albums by then and we thought we’d rather put out a load of 7 inch singles. I wouldn’t want to do it again though, I think that would de-value it."

As long as he can remember, David was immersed in music. His childhood in Leeds saw him soak up sounds of the Sixties from his parents record collection including the Hollies and Beatles.

He was an avid fan of the late, great John Peel who championed their music from the outset.

"I’ve always wanted to be in a group, If I hadn’t been in a band I’d probably be a DJ. When I went to University all I was thinking about was doing music, though my parents didn’t share my views, they thought it was a waste of time and wanted me to get a 'proper job'."

When that sensible line of work refused to surface he threw himself into making the band work.

Remaining fiercely independent from the mainstream, their original line-up went under the name of The Lost Pandas.

But as the singer explained, it was not a name he was overly fond of and when two band members parted company from their ranks, The Wedding Present were unleashed.

"The name just appealed to me, it didn’t sound like a band, more like a film or book and looks good on a t-shirt.

"I think weddings are an interesting social ritual - it’s always funny with families being around and everyone getting drunk. Ironically I’ve not been married myself."

Though he accepts that commercial success could have easily come their way if they’d ‘played the game’ more, he’s not dissatisfied.

For nearly a decade The Wedding Present were put on ice in favour of a low-key solo project.

But signing to independent label Scopitones appears to have instilled in a new lease of life and brought new personnel into the band.

Their latest release is a collection of several singles from their Take Fountain album released last year and includes a DVD packed with amusing video out-takes and behind the scenes anecdotes.

"Making videos is one of the easiest things you get to do in a band. It feels like you’re in a group like Five, miming to a song and doing stupid things."

On the slightly more serious matter in hand of their tour, he says they are looking forward to returning to Kent, having played the Tunbridge Wells Forum several times before.

The Wedding Present play Tunbridge Wells Forum on Tuesday, July 11. Tickets £10 on the door.