GLOBE columnist Peter Grant meets Steve Rodgers, who is making a name for himself ... 

HE may have a legendary dad, but musician Steve Rodgers wants to do it his own special way.

Being the son of '70s rock icon Paul Rodgers of Free, Bad Company and Queen fame may have meant an out-of-the ordinary upbringing, but singer-songwriter Steve has his feet on the ground.

And those feet will be crossing the Atlantic to Liverpool next month to show what he can do.

Steve was a drummer when he was four, playing piano and guitar from 14.

He was in his first band at 17 - a musician's life was what he set his heart on.

"It's always been in my genes." 

He has supported his dad on tours at huge stadia but he is equally at home with his own intimate acoustic and small band gigs.

In an exclusive chat with the Globe, Guildford-born Steve says he loves Merseyside audiences and is looking forward to a gig at the Zanzibar as part of a UK tour in October.

"You know they are there at a gig to listen to you. They love their music and are always supportive.

"I played the Cavern last October and that was so special," says softly-spoken Steve.

His debut album received rave reviews and critics compared his songs such as So High to those of Cat Stevens, Paolo Nutini and peace and love wordsmith Donovan.

He says such comparisons are great compliments.

Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin has called him 'fantastic' and Roger Taylor of Queen drums up praise for his singing and song-writing.

I tell him - having heard his album, singles and videos - his vast repertoire covering all genres reminds me of the acoustic melodies of Paul McCartney and the lyrical depth of George Harrison.

"I'll take that any day as a huge compliment," he says.

Modest Steve says there are simply no comparisons with his dad.

He says with pride: "He has the most amazing rock voice in the whole world."

I tell him I have interviewed his dad a few years ago and tell him they seem to have a similar temperament and sense of humour.

Steve said: "We had a great time in the studio in 2016. We recorded a song called This Place Called Home.

"It was sent to my dad and one of the lines refers to a father and son.

"It's about Teeside, where dad is from, and about the steel works in Redcar and the working men there like granddad.

"Money raised goes to Zoe's Hospice in Middlesbrough.

"I went to see the hospice with my half-sister Natalie and I was very moved and yet so pleased that money is going to such a great charity."

Already Steve is veteran of the rock and roll road.

He has 'guested' at Wembley for Bad Company and Aerosmith's Joe Perry.

Tours have included support slots for Bad Company in the UK and Japan and his own headline dates in the UK and Canada.

Steve has also supported Midge Ure.

In 2016 he toured again with Bad Company and Joe Walsh in the US and UK. So what can we expect when he arrives at the Zanzibar?

He said: "I will be bringing my band and be doing songs old and new and plenty of banter." 

And as he was brought up learning the Beatle songbook I ask him if he will do a Fab Four song in their home town?

I suggest because of his style Here Comes the Sun.

"I don't do cover versions ... but you have now given me a big challenge", he laughs.

"I'm so looking forward to being back there. I really am." 

Steve Rodgers and band supported by Robbie Boyd; October 11 at The Zanzibar Club, Liverpool. Tickets from 0151 707 0633.

Details from www.steverodgersmusic.com