ANDY Fairweather Low has played at some of the biggest venues around the world but none of them compare to Darwen Library Theatre.

The guitarist and singer who began his career with Amen Corner in the Sixties and has worked with Eric Clapton, Billy Wyman's Rhythm Kings and Pink Floyd's Roger Water is back at the East Lancashire venue on Tuesday night with his own band the Low Riders.

"I think that'll be the sixth or seventh time in Darwen," he said. "It's such a fabulous theatre. It is so intimate.

"I spent 27 years playing arenas with different people and good as that was, I'd always prefer to be at Darwen.

"It reminds of the the small clubs in the Sixties and although it is seated rather than standing it is the most rewarding place to play."

Andy recorded his first live DVD at the theatre in 2008 and has been back every year since.

"Arenas make a great deal of sense financially but for a musician you love to play intimate venues. There is nowhere to hide. You can see every member of the audience and you have got to prove yourself."

With the Low Riders, Andy's Darwen shows have become something of an institution with fans travelling from all over the North West to enjoy soul,blues and rock and roll performed by some leading musicians.

"The great joy with the band is that we are a true band in everything we do," said Any. "We really enjoy each others company which is vital when you are on the road.

"Each one of them is as good a player as I have ever worked with. There is no way that I could ever afford this band. We just came together as mates and it just fell into place."

Andy has the remarkable record of having played the Albert Hall in London over 100 times.

"I was lucky Eric Clapton loved the place," he said. "That was a fantastic place to play."

To be asked to work with Eric Clapton indicates how renowned Andy is as a guitar player. But he remains typically modest about his abilities.

"I'm a pretty decent player," he said. "But them I've been doing it for nearly 5-0 years so I should be.

"I still practice every day. That is absolutely vital. I have worked with people like Eric Clapton who don't have to but I have to - that's the difference between most guitar players and the real greats. I have seen greatness and I don't have that.

"It's a bit like football. You can be a really good footballer but then you have the Messis of this world who take it to another level."

Andy and the Low Riders will be embarking on a series of dates around the UK followed by a trip to Japan Christmas.

"I have toured with some great people," he said, "but I got to the point when I realised I'd spent a lot of time in other people's lives and it was my choice to get out there for myself. I would have regretted it if I hadn't."

n Andy Fairweather Low and the Low Riders, Darwen Library Theatre, Tuesday, September 8. Details from 01254 706006.