The man in black is back

4:46pm Wednesday 20th August 2008

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LEGENDARY British rock and roller Alvin Stardust comes to Wirral next month as part of his first solo tour in 30 years.

The singer - whose many hits in the 1960s and 70s included My Coo Ca Choo and Jealous Mind - is at Pacific Road Arts Centre in Woodside on September 16.

He told the Globe: “It’s the first time I’ve toured solo since the 1970s and am really looking forward to it. I regularly do shows at Butlin’s with people like Suzi Quatro and members of Slade, and we play to thousands of people. But to actually get on stage by myself with just my band is going to be great.”

The show’s first half will feature songs from the likes of Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis.

The second half will be a mixture of Alvin’s favourites from the 70s and 80s. As well as the tour, two of the London-born star’s albums from the 1970s - The Untouchable Alvin Stardust and a self-titled album were re-released earlier this week. A third remastered album is due out in September.

“For me, it’ll be like starting from scratch and going back to the beginning of my career,” he continued. “The buzz from those early days is still very much there. It’s also going to be nice to get out and meet the fans after the show.”

The 62-year-old, who was born Bernard Jewry will appear on stage with his first guitar, ‘Peggy Sue’ which was signed by his idol Buddy Holly 50 years ago and has also been in the hands of Billy Fury, Chuck Berry, Bill Haley, Eddie Cochran, the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.

The guitar was thought lost for many years, until it was found by chance in the back of his parents’ garage.

Alvin said: “I thought my mum had thrown it away years ago. She died about four years ago and we had a house clearance. Among all the bits and bobs in the garage was an old battered guitar case, which contained some of my old 45s, a tiny reel-to-reel of me singing as a kid and this guitar. I couldn’t believe my eyes.”

Asked about his favourite artists from today, he said: “I like the White Stripes but one of my big favourites is Take That. They have a great attitude, have been away for a while and come back and look like they are having a lot of fun. I’d like to do a gig with them.”

Tickets for Alvin’s Pacific Road appearance, which starts at 8pm, are from 0151 647 0752 or www.pacificroad.co.uk The Globe has two pairs of tickets to give away. For a chance of getting your hands on a pair, answer the following question:

What is Alvin’s real name?

It couldn’t be easier to enter - simply call 0901 221 0203 and leave your answer, along with your name, address and phone number when prompted. Calls cost only 25p (calls from mobiles may cost more). Lines close on Wednesday September 3 at 5pm. Service provided by Newsquest Media Group.

Alternatively, send the answer, together with your name, address and phone number to: Alvin Stardust, Wirral Globe, Haymarket Court, Hinson Street, Birkenhead CH41 5BX.