Nineties indie star looks unrecognisable 33 years after huge hit as band returns with stellar new album

A NINETIES indie star looks completely unrecognisable 33 years after his group's huge release - as they team up for a new album.

The Laid hitmakers are back putting the finishing touches to their new tracks, as well as preparing for a tour this spring.

Manchester band James have delighted fans with their comeback, after putting a stamp on the music world with singles including Sit Down, released in 1991, as well as Come Home and She's A Star.

Lead singer Tim Booth looks completely different now than he appeared in their heyday.

Gone are the floppy brunette locks in favour of a skinhead look.

Facial hair also plays a huge part in Tim's new look with a well-styled dark moustache and beard meaning the musician cuts a striking figure.

The frontman quit the group back in 2001, but his return six years later sparked a reunion.

Since then, they have released seven new albums with Yummy - their 18th studio album in total - scheduled to hit shelves on April 12.

The band has confirmed the first single will be Is This Love.

Speaking about the new material, Tim said: "Expect a mixture of the expected and unexpected - just like life. Nothing but love."

Addressing the opening single, Tim artistically described it as: "Love as a bomb, a Tsunami that rolls over our life as we cling to the wreckage of our peace of mind."

Last year, James announced a slew of new arena tour dates - and confirmed they would be supported by fellow indie band Razorlight.

This year's tour dates kick off in Aberdeen and will wrap at London's O2 Arena in June.

Previously, we reported how iconic Nineties singer Eddie Chacon now appears completely different after he first found fame with Charles Pettigrew.

The pair collaborated for toe-tapping track, Would I Lie To You, released in 1992.

Meanwhile, a boyband heartthrob from the same era also cuts a different figure after he traded fame to become a stripper.

Jeff Timmons, 50, was a member of Los Angeles pop group 98 Degrees - who recently revealed they will re-form for a fresh tour across America to mark their 25th anniversary.

Yet during the hiatus, he paid the bills by working as a stripper.

Additionally, we recently reported how American rocker Dan Spitz traded in his guitarist role in metal band Anthrax for a career as a watch-maker.