SIXTIES rock legend Andy Fairweather Low and his band return to Wirral for the International Guitar Festival next month.

The Welsh star - celebrating 50 years in music - is at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton with the Low Riders on November 21.

Looking ahead to his Wirral return, the 65-year-old told the Globe: "I last did the festival a few years a few years ago and remember having a fantastic time.

"There had been a few shows that day, so the atmosphere was electric. Can't wait to get back."

Andy came to prominence as lead of singer of rock group Amen Corner. Formed in 1966 their many hits included Bend Me Shape Me, Hello Suzy and '(If Paradise is ) Half As Nice'.

Since then he has gone on to work with the likes of Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix and hundreds more.

Looking back over his career he told the Globe: "I've been unbelievably lucky, but also extremely grateful, to have had the chance to do what I have been able to do.

"I started in 1964 and by 1966 had my break and was on my way to London. Starting out in those days I thought there were far better guitar players than me, but looked what happened. I left school with nothing and music was all I wanted to do.

"We got involved with some dodgy people in management before getting the hits.

"Financially, it was not a great thing, but Amen Corner had three great hits."

His first solo album in 24 years Sweet Soulful Music was released late in 2007 followed by The Very Best Of Andy Fairweather Low which was released in the UK in June 2008 and the Live DVD followed hot on its heels.

A world tour as musical director with Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters' band then a European tour with Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings followed.

The Low Riders - which features Dave Bronze on bass and vocals, Paul Beavis on drums and Nick Pentelow on saxophone and clarinet - formed in 2007. In Autumn 2012 they completed a third tour of Germany.

The following year they opened shows on Eric Clapton’s European tour headline The Americana Festival and complete their first tour in Japan with eight shows in Tokyo.

This year they have appeared in Radio Two presenter Bob Harris’ rock show playing in session.

When they came back from Germany before picking up their UK tour leg, they appeared for two nights as guests in an all star cast celebrating blues legend Albert Lee’s 70th birthday at The Cadogan Hall, London where they were enlisted as house band for a number of household names.

On the future, Andy said: "We're busier than ever and there are a lot of things still to. Last year, myself and Dave (Bronze) put about 20 to 30 tracks down for a new album by Tom Jones. Hopefully, they will see the light of day."

Ending on November 30, the three-week International Guitar Festival features classical, folk, jazz, blues and rock music - showing the versatility and prowess of the guitar casts illumination and beauty as well as power and emotion.

It will be opened by Joan Armatrading on November 7.

As well as Joan some of the finest guitarists currently on the scene will be taking part including Rick Vito, Raul Midon and Craig Ogden.

Tickets for all festival shows are from www.bestguitarfest.com or 0151 666 0000.