DANNY WILSON is on a mission - a mission to entertain.

His band Danny and the Champions of the World have been picking up an every-growing following for their energy-packed, musically-charged live shows which have earned them comparisons with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.

And now they are heading to the Continental in Preston as part of a UK tour to promote the release last week of their fifth album, What Kind of Love.

"No, there isn't a question make missing in the title," laughed Danny, "that's deliberate. I wanted it to have a mysterious quality like some mythical jazz or soul record."

The album evolved into one of songs looking at love in different forms. It's quite soulful at times but with its horns, pedal steel, driving riffs and heartfelt lyrics, it's definitely a Danny and the Champions release.

Initially with the band Grand Drive, Danny has been making music for around 20 years, and he still can't quite believe it.

"Music is my passion," he said, "and I am so eternally grateful to all the fans who keep turning out to see us and support us, allowing us all to do the thing we love."

That passion is self evident in live shows which often take on a life of their own.

"The shows are a reflection of everyone in the band," said Danny. "From an early age I always admired performers who gave it their all and were full of integrity like Springsteen or James Brown and Graham Parker.

"We get people coming to see us for the first time and they immediately get what we're about - and they come back again."

Danny believes one of the great strengths of the bands is the musicianship.

"The band are amazing," he said. "I'm so lucky to be playing with them. Being in a band is all bout musicianship, honesty and having fun and we want to pass that on to our audience.

"We couldn't go on stage and be miserable if we tried."

Danny and the Champions of the World, the Continental, Preston, Friday, June 19. Details from 01772 499425.