ASK Rab Noakes how many songs he has written in a career spanning more than 50 years and you’ll get a self-deprecating laugh.

“I could look at my PRS returns I suppose,” he laughs referring to the official lists of songs held by the Performing Rights Society. “But I’d say it would be between four and 500.”

That would be more than enough for most people to define a great career in music. But in Rab’s case you then have to factor in his work as a producer, presenter and as a leading member of the Musician’s Union.

Now 71, Rab is back on the road with Rod Clements, a founder member of Lindisfarne and next Thursday the pair will be at Barnoldswick Music and Arts Centre.

“We have had a lot of shared experiences over the years,” said Rab. “We first met in 1969 even before Lindisfarne was a fully-formed band. We try to put together a set that suits both of us, something that reflects our interests.

“We could be singing for hours.”

Although never officially part of Lindisfarne, Rab is the only person not in the band to have written songs for them including Together Forever.

“We will be doing a few Lindisfarne songs,” said Rab, “but the majority of Rod’s choices are from his solo work - he has a terrific catalogue of work to go at.”

The pair have toured many times over the years and clearly enjoy the experience of playing live to an audience.

“It’s all about that shared experience,” he said. “The audience are a vital part of all this; they are not just spectators.

“As performers you wouldn’t make a living without an audience parting with money but for me perhaps the main engagement is that they are making that effort to come and see you. They are looking through the listings and choosing to come along. You should never underestimate the effort that people make to come and see you.”

Rab always looks forward to the live shows to see what impact the songs have on an audience.

“When you write a song, you don’t know where these things will land so it’s lovely to get a little story from someone about how a particular songs means something to them. It’s like hearing about the progress of a friend in away. You don’t know what kind of impact a song will have so it’s really heartening when someone comes up and says ‘you don’t know what that song has meant to us for the last x number of years’.”

Rob admits that he always has song ideas on the go.

“Songwriting a fascinating thing to be involved in,” he said. “There are no rules about how, why or when you do it and some songs can finished in a couple of hours other will take 20 odd years. You’re never stuck for something to do as a songwriter that’s for sure.”

And he’s equally committed to touring.

“I always consider myself fortunate to be still able to do it at this level,” he said. “It’s not hard work when everything about it is enjoyable.”

Rab Noakes and Rod Clements, Barnoldswick Music and Arts Centre, Thursday, February 28. Details from 01282 813374 or www.barnoldswickmusicandartscentre.com