Hugh Alan Cornwell (born 28 August 1949) is an English musician, singer-songwriter and writer, best known for being the lead vocalist and lead guitarist for the punk rock and new wave band the Stranglers from 1974 to 1990. Since leaving the Stranglers, Cornwell has recorded a further ten solo studio albums and continues to record and perform live. Birth name Hugh Alan Cornwell Born 28 August 1949 (age 74) Tufnell Park, North London, England Genres Alternative rocknew wavepunk rockpost-punk Occupation(s) Musiciansinger-songwriternovelist Instrument(s) Vocalsguitarbass Years active 1974–present