A WIRRAL rocker will open his solo European tour with a gig at his local pub next month.

Mike West starts with a gig at The White Lion in West Kirby on February 14, before travelling across Belgium, Netherlands and Germany.

With no label or mainstream support, Mike from Rock Ferry said he has continued to grow as an artist, touring independently since 2016.

Looking forward to going back on tour, Mike told the Globe: "This is something I've always wanted to do and can't believe how lucky I am to be able to do this and prove to myself and other independent artists that you don't need any major backing or anyone's permission to share your music anywhere you want.

"Europe has a great live scene and I'm looking forward to being a part of it.

"I'm happy to be kicking off this tour at The White Lion in West Kirby for a great home show."

Described as an honest and engaging performer, his music career began as the frontman and guitarist for a thrash metal band.

Mike traded in his electric guitar for an acoustic and began paying homage to delta blues, folk and country while remaining true to his metal and rock roots.

It was a love that taken him on tours of the UK and Europe earning fans with his down to earth manner and reliable songs.

He has supported artists such as Shawn James, Left Lane Cruiser, Cecil Allen Moore, Ciaran Lavery, Tony Wright from Terrorvision, Michele Stodart from Magic Numbers and Jesse Dayton.

He also played Latitude Festival, Dark Holler festival and numerous local festivals.

He said: "I am currently recording my first full length record The Next Life which will be released this year and is a step up from my E P Rusted where I performed live takes in a studio.

"This will be a bigger sound with more instrumentation and I'm proud of what we've done so far.

"This is only the beginning of 2019 and I've already got so much to look forward to including playing some amazing festivals and touring the UK again with The Next Life."

The tour dates are:

  • February 14: The White Lion Inn, West Kirby
  • Feb 15: The Lamb, Devizes
  • Feb 17: Pallieter Café, Herselt, Belgium
  • Feb 18: Stamineeke, Webbekom, Belgium
  • Feb 19: Café De Ouwehoer, Rotterdam , Netherlands
  • Feb 20: Rockcafé de Engel, Den Helder, Netherlands Feb 24: Lou's Bar, Liège, Belgium