NOT many musicians can lay claim to having had The Beatles open shows for them.

But the Fab Four are just one in a long list of hitmakers who Joe Brown has joined on stage.

As the UK’s first session player, Joe’s early career highlights included playing guitar with Gene Vincent, Eddie Cochran, Johnny Cash and other US stars when they came over to Europe.

He’s topped the charts, appeared in films and on the West End stage, presented his own TV and radio shows and he still finds time to do around 100 live shows a year in the UK.

And this year is no different, with Joe’s extensive tour kicking off this month. At 69 — nearly 70 — how does he do it?

“I have a few more days off in between gigs than I used to but that’s about the only difference,” said Joe.

There isn’t a hint of an old man in Joe. He’s as vibrant as he was when he released his first hit, People Gotta Talk, in 1959.

Even at home in London, he isn’t one for sitting in an armchair with his pipe and slippers.

If Joe isn’t in his studio, he’ll be in his workshop making things from wood (namely a rocking horse at the moment).

But all the time he’s thinking of ways to keep his material as relevant today as it was in his heyday — something he puts a lot of work into.

“I‘m not going to lie and say I listen to modern bands to keep current, because I don’t.

"I’m not saying they’re aren’t any good ones, they’re just not my thing. I’m stuck in the 60s,” he laughed.

“But we do try and change the programme a lot to keep it interesting and all ages come to see us now.

"Our fans bring their children and their friends, and they all have a good time,” said Joe, who toured with Status Quo last year.

“What I like the most these days is that we don’t do a lot in the way of promoting our gigs.

"It’s all word of mouth, which tells me that we’re still doing it right.

“But I do have the world’s most shocking memory. I only remember the words because they’re in rhyme.”

But is it as much fun as it always was being in a band after 42 years on the road?

“I wouldn’t be doing it if I didn’t enjoy it,” said Joe in a serious voice.

“Honestly, what would be the point if I wasn’t into it anymore?

"The fans would know and it would show in our performance.

“I love playing live and it’s brought a whole new dimension for me now, with my son working with me as a producer.

"He’s a fantastic musician, he helps to keep things fresh and he bosses me around a bit too,” he smiled.

* Joe Brown, Blackpool Grand, Sunday, March 13; Southport Theatre, Friday, April 8, Liverpool Philharmonic, Friday, April 22, Carlisle Sands Theatre, Saturday, April 23.