JOE Brown is celebrating 60 years of music making with a major tour.

It was 58 years ago that he became a star with the number one hit A Picture Of You.

Joe is known for his tireless live schedule and, to celebrate 60 years in the business, he is now on a marathon 78 date UK tour that keeps him busy through to Easter.

“This is a proper show and I’ve a great new band with me too” says Joe. “It’s fantastic to be out there in front of a thousand people who are listening to every word you say. They seem to like it and I certainly do!”

The live show also contains something new and something old. The music veers from his classic songs, such as Sea Of Heartbreak, to traditional rock, from something by Chas and Dave to something by George Harrison, who was a very close friend, even being Joe’s best man.

Joe says: “I’ll be playing most of my old hits but we’ll be playing different stuff too – a nice Italian waltz, an Irish jig…there’ll also be songs there we’ve never played before.”

Moving away from pop after a string of hits he became a star of musical theatre even performing alongside Dame Anna Neagle in Charlie Girl. There were films, too, from What A Crazy World! to appearing alongside Bob Hoskins in the thriller Mona Lisa.

Joe found a new lease of life in the 20th century. He was not only playing sell-out tours but also popping up at festivals such as Glastonbury.

Joe was awarded an MBE in 2009 and also a Mojo Magazine award for Outstanding Contribution to Music. He also returned to the Top 20 Album Charts with a gold record for his The Very Best Of Joe Brown.

He is at City Hall on February 14. Tickets: 01722 434434.