FOR over 35 years the Climax Blues Band have been bringing authentic rhythm and blues to fans worldwide. On October 7 they travel to Burnley as part of a double bill appearing alongside Canvey Island's finest, Dr Feelgood.

Multi-instrumentalist and singer Colin Cooper was a founder member of the band and still looks forward to each gig with the same enthusiasm.

"Actually, I enjoy playing more now," he said. "I think by now we have established a certain reputation for ourselves and as a result don't really feel a though we have anything to prove. Obviously we all want to play the best we can but it's not as though we are trying to a deal or break new ground.

"Because we have become more relaxed I think it produces better gigs.

"From the very early days I have said that if you are not enjoying it then the audience won't be."

The current line-up has been together for nearly 20 years and shows no signs of slowing down.

"Over the years we have diversified and gone in slightly different directions," said Colin. "But we always come back to what we do best and that's rhythm and blues."

Tensions within bands are legendary, often leading to them breaking up, so to survive as long as the Climax Blues Band is definitely not usual in the music scene.

"I think we genuinely enjoy seeing each other and we treat every gig a bit like an outing," said Colin.

"We all live reasonably close but we are certainly not in each other's pockets."

The enduring nature of the blues has helped the band win new audiences.

"We played a small festival a few weeks ago and their were young kids in the audience really loving it," said Colin.

"That's the thing with the blues, it appeals to everyone."

The band are currently working on a new album although no release date has yet been set.

"I think that recording a new album does get harder as you go on," said Colin. "When you've got a large back catalogue you have a lot of yardsticks to measure your new songs against and your standards are a lot higher. You want to make every song on the album to compare with your very best.

"Sometimes if you listen to our first albums you think I wouldn't do that now, but you have to bear in mind that they may have been recorded in just two or three days.

"I don't think you can look back with your music. You should always look forward."

The Climax Blues Band and Dr Feelgood, Burnley Mechanics, Saturday, October 7. Details from the box office on 01282 664400.