ONE of the UK’s original rock and roll guitar pioneers will be getting upfront and personal as he kicks off his UK tour in Dudley.

Joe Brown will be telling stories and brining his fans music from over 50 years in the business at Dudley Town Hall on Friday (October 7).

With no band, no supplementary backup musicians and no dancing girls, the show will just be Joe; unadulterated and solo – for the first time ever.

Since ‘The Concert For George’, Joe has more recently become the leading light and staunch champion of the ukulele, but his history is unique and remarkable.

From the days of music hall and growing up in an East End pub, through the skiffle era of Lonnie Donegan, then jumping, almost overnight, into rock and roll, Joe has seen it all.

Keith Richards respects him, George Harrison loved him, the Beatles supported him and Mark Knopfler plays with him - the man is unique.

He has been a radio star, a TV personality, an actor and, not least, the head of a musical dynasty.

Anecdotes and the odd joke or two will be interspersed with some of the great music that has made Joe such a popular performer today.

Special Guest for the night will be guitar maestro Henry Gross, the lead guitarist, singer and founder of hit US group Sha Na Na - the youngest musician to ever appear at Woodstock.

To see Joe kick off his 28 date UK tour at Dudley Town Hall, starting at 7.30pm, and book tickets costing £25 in the stall or £26 in the balcony, call 01384 812812.