AS The Wonder Stuff prepare to headline a special Gigantic Indie All-Dayer at Manchester Academy on Saturday, Miles Hunt the driving force behind the band is in feisty mood.

A seemingly innocent question as to whether he could ever have envisaged the band celebrating 30 years, as it does this year, is met with a forceful response.

"Of course I did," he says. "What do you think the point has been all these years?

"I formed a band to be in a band. That was what I wanted to do with my life, I wanted a life in music and that's what I have done.

"So we started the band and had a good collection of songs and I'm not being arrogant but I did think it would last 30 years. That was exactly the point.

"Being in a band was not something I was doing for a little bit then going on to do something else.

"It has consumed my entire life, it is what I have done with my life. I have no regrets."

From the band's early days and debut album Eight Legged Groove Machine to their most recent album, 30 Goes Around the Sun released earlier this year, Hunt has been at the helm.

"Apart from an ever-growing back catalogue, the band's longevity causes no problems," he said.

"For the live shows we don't do a set based on 30 years ago," he said,

"There's always some stuff that's been written in last year or two.

"We've only just put out a new album and when we do Manchester there will probably be four songs from that in the set, and probably two more from the last album.

"Our audience understands that they are not going to see a nostalgia show."

The Gigantic Indie All-Dayer which occupies all three-stages at the Academy boasts an impressive line-up.

"House of Love, I haven't seen them in years but used to love them," says Hunt running through the list.

"Jesus Jones we know well. The last time we were all together we toured in Australia four or five years ago.

"The Darling Buds - saw them recently and they used to tour with us. Bentley Rhythm Ace are good mates of ours so it's all good stuff."

Although the Wonder Stuff celebrate 30 years this year, Hunt remains the only original member.

"It would be more than a bit weird for four or five lads or girls who finished school together to still be hanging around together all the time 30 years later. That's not really a normal thing to do and bands aren't any different.

"Our longest serving player Mark has been in band 12 years, Erika, 10 and Dan and Tony may only with us two years but I've known now them for years.

"They are all great musicians but to me what is more important is that they are great people."

The Gigantic Indie All-Dayer, Manchester Academy, Saturday, May 28. Details from 0161 832 1111.