YOU might have thought that being told to stop playing the instrument which had brought you worldwide acclaim and then suffering a major heart attack would have been reason enough for Finbar Furey to start taking things easy.

But these life changing incidents acted as a catalyst for what Finbar describes as “the most creative period of my life”.

Given that he’s been making music for over 50 years, first alongside his brothers in The Fureys, that is some claim.

Now fans will get the chance to discover for themselves what he’s been up to following the release of a new solo album and DVD tomorrow - Don’t Stop This Now - and his first UK tour for eight years which includes a date at Manchester’s Dancehouse next Friday.

“I had to have a major shoulder operation to try and repair the damage caused by playing the pipes for so many years,” said Finbar, 71.

“The surgeon said I would have to stop playing because if it went wrong again he wouldn’t be able to help,me. So I got out the banjo and the five-string. Then I had my heart attack which gave me plenty of time to recuperate and I don’t know what happened but for some reason the songs just started coming.

“It was like the floodgates had opened.

“Once I got the guitar going it all just came out - it was like Pandora’s Box. I can’t describe it to you.

“I’d sit down and just get an idea and then all these words and melodies would come out. I could be watching the TV and this thing would kick in and the programme would disappear so I’d have to go into the studio I’ve got at home and get the banjo or guitar out and put down what I’d just thought of.”

After 30 years playing with his brother and also backing fellow Irish musicians The Clancy Brothers, Finbar decided to embark on a solo career 20 years ago.

“In the beginning I was a bit scared to do new songs so I would play the pipes and maybe sing the odd song,” he said. “You have to remember I’d never worked outside my family before so it was a whole new ball game for me.”

Gradually Finbar began touring and then released the album Colours in 2011.

“That was a stepping stone into something I’d never dreamed I’d get,” he said.

For Don’t Stop This Now, Finbar returned to some half finished lyrics which had been laying around for years as well as writing totally new songs.

“Because I didn’t have the pipes to play I was concentrating on writing and it gave me a chance to go back and look at things I’d started in the past but never finished,” he said.

”I’m blown away with the results.”

For the live shows, new songs and old favourites will share a stage with stories and Finbar’s four-piece band.

“It’s a lovely balance between old and new on stage,” he said.

“I will change the programme every night and that’s really fun.” he said. “The lads are all into in. No matter where I go they will follow me. It’s just the way I feel at the time and we just let fly.

“It’s a lovely set up and I’m really enjoying the new songs and putting the new music out there.”

Don’t Stop This Now by Finbar Furey is out tomorrow on BMG. He plays Manchester Dancehouse on Friday, April 7. Details from 0161 237 9753 or www.thedancehouse.co.uk