Here's Nik's letter:

Thursday May 13, 2004

Dear All,

Rumours abound on some of the unofficial sites, so time to put
the record straight.

We are currently talking to Universal (who own MCA and, therefor
my old recordings) about the possibility of a two album deal.

The first would be a "best of" with at least six new tracks. The
"best of" portion would obviously consist of the old hits with a
couple of album tracks but could also include a few of the Eagle
recordings. Universal would undertake to use all their
considerable resources (including T.V advertising) to promote
the record. The target date is September this year.

The second album would be of completely new material and
would follow a year later.

It's only talk at the moment. Whether it happens or not is, pretty
much, down to me. All Universal need to start the ball rolling are
a couple of new tracks to use as singles. Yep, that's all folks, a
couple of, wait for it … hits!!

None of the material they've heard so far has hit the mark. This is
not terribly surprising as the Album I'm currently working on was
only ever intended for release over the internet and a single
would've been a waste of time. Indeed, I was revelling in the
freedom of not having to deliver songs 3.5 minutes long with a
chorus every 45 seconds.

Now, excuse me if I'm feeling a bit sheepish about telling you all
this, but most of you (the faithful) have got all the old stuff several
times over and were probably looking forward to twelve new
tracks in June. So, to ask to fork out your hard earned on yet
another best of just to hear six new tracks seems a bit harsh.
Unfortunately, this is an opportunity I can't afford to turn down. So,
I hope you'll forgive me.

Oh, and you remember I said that I'd never do any of those 80s
tours? That being on one would just look really desperate, and
would signal the end of any aspirations to be considered a
current and socially relevant artist? That it was all too cabaret
and sad and wild horses wouldn't drag me within a fifty mile
radius of any of the gigs?

I lied!

I'll be part of the Hear And Now tour in Dec 2004.

The truth is, I just ran out of reasons for not doing it.

So let me know what you think of my shameless U Turn, wish
me luck with Universal and hope to see some of you in
December. Thanks again for being so patient.

Nik