POPA Chubby is living proof you should not judge people on their appearance.

With his shaven head and tattoos he cuts an intimidating figure but a throaty chuckle regularly punctuates our chat.

The New York bluesman will be heading to Barnoldwick Music and Arts Centre on Saturday, fresh from a show at London’s famous 100 Club - his first appearance in the UK since 2011.

“I’m very excited to be coming back to the UK,” he said, “It’s not been for the lack of trying, it’s just not come together until now.”

Popa Chubby is not your typical blues musician. In his early days he played with New Wave pioneers Richard Hell and the Voidoids and his music combines soul, rock and punk alongside traditional blues.

“There is a tradition in the blues,” he said, “but I tend to defy that. I’m not your grandfather’s blues artist!

“I have a lot of influences outside of the blues which come out in me and I think people appreciate that.

“My intention is to always keep the danger in rock and roll. It’s the music of subversives and speaks the truth and that’s what I always strive for.”

Popa Chubby’s latest album, The Catfish, is an eclectic mix of hard driving blues with a soulful edge.

“I like to think my career is based on fact I’ve always made a different record than I made previously,” he said. “I haven’t made the same record over 25 years. I’m always coming up with a new slant on things and have new inspirations which are reflected in my songs.

“I think that’s what people like about me. If I have any talent it’s making my songs into a cohesive unit and I think I achieve that on The Catfish.”

You sense that Popa Chubby - real name Ted Horowitz - enjoys the reputation of menace that has built up over a 25 year career.

“I like to think I’m not dangerous unless provoked,” he said.

“But the blues in its earliest sense was dangerous music. It was played in juke joints where white people feared to go. There was always an element of anything could happen.

“But at the end of the day, I’m a fan of music. I believe in it as a philosophy and an ideology as well as a career and vocation.

“It’s what keeps my soul going. I love everything from metal to jazz and everything in between and that’s reflected in what I do.”

Popa Chubby, Barnoldswick Music and Arts Centre, Saturday, January 21. Eric Sardinas plays at the venue next Thursday and David Knopfler next Friday. Details from 01282 813374