Shakin’ Stevens is about to embark on his biggest ever UK tour visiting 33 towns and cities.

Echoes Of Our Times blends blues, roots, Americana and classic rock. Detailing stories from his family history, Shakin’ Stevens has created a musical tribute to his past.

Here Shaky talks about his journey of discovery and change from his heyday back in the 80s to the now…….

Can we expect double denim and white dancing shoes?

I wouldn’t want to do that, ‘cos that was a long time ago. Every artist needs to be allowed to move on, and develop in their own way, and at their own pace. My stage performance has changed over the years, and it would be boring if artists didn’t move on in their careers.

A few years ago, I asked one of the fans if they liked a new arrangement of one of the hits that I had performed. The answer was that he liked the original when it first came out, but he had moved on with his taste in music since then, and he preferred the new arrangement. It’s good for artists and their fan base to keep pace with each other - and I think that’s why they have reacted so well to the new album.

Do you have favourite track on the album?

I don’t have a particular favourite track on the album, as I really like them all for different reasons.

What’s your favourite track from your early days?

Turning Away (a single from the 1986 album Lipstick, Powder and Paint) and Radio (a single from the 1992 album The Epic Years), featuring Roger Taylor, from Queen, on drums and Rod Argent on keyboards.

Who were your main influences when you were starting out?

People say to me you’re rock and roll, but that’s an umbrella with many styles of music resting under it.

Growing up with my family, there was music from the back end of the 30s, the 40s, 50s and 60s as there were so many of us and the age range was so big so everyone wanted to listen to something different. There were all types of music being played and listened to and always with a bit of skiffle thrown in.

What do you think of music today?

There is a lot of choice out there today and so much variety to listen to so it’s really hard to pinpoint particular artists because I really do like listening to pretty much anything and if I like the lyrics I’ll keep listening.

It’s such a hard market to get noticed in today and that’s why the artists we’ve selected to be guest support on the tour are people who are trying to make it in the business. We want to give them a chance to get noticed.

If Shaky was bursting onto the scene for the first time in 2017 who would he be?

I would definitely be more rootsy like this. If you look at Johnny Cash, in the early days he had this really strong beat but he moved on and moved on and his music was much darker towards the end but that suited him.

It’s all about growing up and the fact that I absolutely love the music I’m doing now. I liked it back in the early days but I feel that this is well and truly the real me with the new album and the music I’m working on now.

The Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, AL1 3LD, Monday, May 15, 8pm. Details: 01727 844488