OVER the course of his career Joe Brown has virtually done it all.
From pioneering rock and roll in the UK to playing at Glastonbury, his infectious personality and great musicianship have won him legions of fans from different generations of music lovers.
Later this month he will return to East Lancashire for two shows on consecutive nights at Darwen Library Theatre.
“I really love the smaller venues,” said Joe, who has played everywhere from the Royal Albert Hall to the biggest concert arenas in the UK.
“We like to come up to Lancashire as we always get a really good reception.”
To Joe, the audience is what matters most.
“They are the people that pay their money,” he said. “The trick is to play the stuff you and they both love.
"Every tour we always introduce a number of new songs, although there are certain ones, such as Sea of Heartbreak, that have to be in the set.
“At the start of a tour a lot of thought goes into what we will play.
"This show is so tight, we’ve really worked at it but the thing is to make it look as though it’s the first time we’re playing the songs.”
Joe is quick to define what fans can expect.
“It is definitely a show, not a gig,” he said.
“We don’t do requests from the audience. We’re not a cabaret act and I’m not a compere looking for something to take the time up.
"Fortunately we have very attentive audiences who appreciate a well-crafted show.
"We deliberately pick songs which will work together and create the right atmosphere.
"In a sense, we haven’t changed the format of the show for 30 years, although that’s not the case with the songs.
"We put in at least 10 different songs every tour.
“We’re always trying something different and for this show we’ll be coming to the front of the stage to do a few songs.
"I’ve also got a new five-string guitar which is tuned like a banjo which I’ve been using which is really interesting for me.”
Joe will be touring with his five-piece band, which includes his son Pete.
“After touring for so long you have got to enjoy what you’re doing.
"I think the moment you don’t is the time you should stop.”
Joe Brown, Darwen Library Theatre, Sunday, November 27 and Monday, November 28. Deatils from the box office on 01254 706006.
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