Joe Brown in Weston

07 October 2009

ROCK and Roll stalwart Joe Brown swaps his signature guitar for a banjo during a 41-date UK tour which rolls into Weston later this month.

Joe, celebrating 51 years in the business, learnt the five-string instrument especially to bring a new dimension to his two-hour one-man show, which comes to the Playhouse on October 21.

Joe said: "I try to put different stuff in the show every time and although learning the banjo has been hard work, with five hours practice a day, it is sounding good.

"It's not just about the content, there has to be balance because it is a show, not a gig.

"I am there to entertain, not educate.

"Hopefully people will love it."

Despite becoming a rock guitar legend of the 60s, playing alongside the likes of Gene Vincent, Eddie Cochran, Johnny Cash and Marty Wilde, Joe is equally at home entertaining smaller crowds on a ukulele.

This prompted the American ukulele manufacturer KALA to approach him about launching a range of Joe Brown signature ukes which will be available later this year.

He said: "I have had some say in the design because I wanted it to be a proper, classy instrument instead of a toy.

"People are always asking me what guitar they should buy for their kids and I say if you are going to learn it, learn it on a decent instrument to start with.

"The most important thing is being able to see yourself making progress.

"The Ukulele is an immediate instrument because within a couple of hours you have learnt a couple of chords."

Also, during what has become the most rewarding year of his career, the star was given Mojo magazine's coveted Outstanding Contribution To Music Award following his sell-out UK Spring tour.

Then three days after picking up the award from fellow guitarist Mark Knopfler, Joe received an even more prestigious award - an MBE.

Joe said: "To be honoured for something I've loved doing all my life is wonderful. "This has come as a total surprise, to be recognised like this is just fantastic."

He has had the Beatles perform as his supporting act, appeared at the Glastonbury Festival and on Jools Holland's TV show on various occasions, has scored a Gold album for his Very Best Of top 20 CD which has sold more than 100,000 copies in the UK alone, he filled the Royal Albert Hall last year for his 50th Anniversary celebration and stole the show at his pal George Harrison's memorial concert at the same venue.

He has also had three series' of his own show on TV, presented a rock show on Radio Two, wrote a book called Brown Sauce, co-wrote a musical with Roger Cook, acted many times in the West End and starred in six films.

Joe is touring with his long serving band and newest band member, his record producing son Pete.

His daughter Sam is also in the business and he says they are both very good at what they do.

He added: "There is sometimes a stigma about working with your parents but when you're working family doesn't come into it.

"When we are gigging it's all very professional.

"We are playing larger venues on this tour because the last one sold out but it doesn't make much difference to me whether I play in front of thousands of people or hundreds, although the Royal Albert Hall was very nerve-wracking.

"Even though touring can be tiring, I love it and when I stop loving it, it will be time to stop."

Tickets to the show, costing £19 or £21, are available from the box office on 01934 645544 or by logging onto www.theplayhouse.co.uk.

* The Weston and Somerset Mercury has teamed up with the Playhouse to offer three lucky readers the chance to win tickets to see Joe Brown.

To enter the competition, simply answer the following question: What instrument has Joe learnt to play for this tour?

Send your answer on a postcard, along with your name, address and telephone number to: Joe Brown Competition, Weston & Somerset Mercury, 32 Waterloo Street, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1LW, by 12noon on October 15.

Usual Archant rules apply and the editor's decision is final.