It was by listening to Goodman’s band, that I began to notice the guitarist Charlie Christian, who was one of the first musicians to play solos in a big band set-up.

I started off playing the clarinet, after I was inspired by listening to my dad’s Benny Goodman records.

It will be the first time I’ve played live with a double bass.

I just play to the people I can see. So it’s almost like you are playing to the first few rows of the crowd. You can see the faces of the first hundred people, but then it becomes a blur as the crowds disappear over the hill.

I just couldn’t take school seriously: I had this guitar neck with four frets which I kept hidden under the desk. It had strings on it so I would practice my chord shapes under the desk and that’s about all I did at school.

I think a lot of modern day guitarists start off playing like Eddie van Halen, and they don’t take the time to learn the basics.

The chances of a reunion now are less likely. I was thinking of having a 40th anniversary of the band, but now they are really another band, so it’s all a bit weird.

George Harrison was also a pleasure to work with. He was one of the most famous people I’ve ever known, but in spite of that fame, he was such a nice and friendly guy.

They have decided to tour under the name of Ten Years After which I don’t think is very cool. To be honest, they have had to do that as it’s the only way they can get any work.

So if you see Ten Years After, it’s not me anymore. I’m very happy with what I am doing now.