IF YOU HARK back to the days of The Stranglers, The Jam and The Bodysnatchers then you're in for a real treat when 3 Men & Black perform at Colne Muni on November 18.

The band is made up of an informal gathering of four or five of a wealth of artists including Jake Burns (Stiff Little Fingers), Pauline Black and Nick Welsh (The Selecter), Roddy 'radiation' Byres (The Specials), JJ Burnel (The Stranglers), Rhoda Dakar (AKA Specials and The Bodysnatchers), Bruce Foxton (The Jam) and Dave Wakeling, songwriting frontman of The Beat.

Caroline Dutton spoke to Jake Burns.

What can the audience at Colne expect from the gig?

The Men & Black thing is so much fun to do because it's so relaxed. The basic idea behind it is we all get to sit around play some songs in an unexpected style, tell some background stories (relevant or otherwise!) and hopefully have a bit of a laugh with the audience. Imagine we all came round to your living room for the evening, that sort of thing.

Do you ever argue about whose songs you're going to perform?

No. It's very much a "take turns" event. We all chip in as much or as little on each other's songs as we deem necessary. It can be quite illuminating to hear what other artists add to your material and hopefully what you can add to theirs.

Is playing with 3 Men & Black different from playing with SLF? How?

Completely different. 3 Men is a much more relaxed and loose arrangement. Introductions can sometimes take as long as the songs and there's much more of an informal atmosphere. With SLF, the whole thing is about tempo and attitude. One is an acoustic evening of songs and stories, the other is like an air-raid.

Do you still have a wild time on the tours?

Not the way we used to. We haven't quite reached the pipe and slippers stage yet, but suffice to say, we do all get to bed before the sun comes up these days!

What's been the highlight of your career?

There have been so many it would be difficult to pinpoint just one. The initial success the band had with our first album entering the chart on my 21st birthday. The many great artists and people I've met; folk like Rory Gallagher who was my first inspiration coming to play on one of our albums. Knowing someone like John Peel was a huge privilege. Getting to travel to places I never would have been without the band.

What is your idea of happiness?

A pub with free beer, filled with all my friends watching Newcastle United win the FA Cup.

What's the best piece of advice you've received?

Be yourself. Write about what you know. Never whistle with a mouth full of custard.

3 Men & Black play at Colne Municipal Hall on Friday, November 18. For tickets (£12 advance/ £15 door) call box office on 01282 661234.