Charlie back where it all started

It will be a place full of memories when Charlie stops off at Worthing’s Pavilion Theatre on Wednesday, October 19.

“Worthing was the first major theatre I ever played,” says Charlie, whose music flows effortlessly between folk, country and even gospel.

“The gentleman who used to get my bookings used to put on a country music festival way back there, and I came down. I went down on the train (from Liverpool, where he still lives), did a few songs and then went home again. That would have been about 85. It was all a bit nerve-racking, but it was a smashing venue.”

All that’s missing is hooking up with an old Worthing pal of his - Ron Thomas. Ron, if you are out there, Charlie would love to hear from you.

The current tour comes at a great time for Charlie. His new record label has just brought out a

36-track two CD compilation, The Very Best Of Charlie Landsborough.

Looking at it, Charlie admits it’s a lovely feeling: “When I started, I had no real faith in myself whatsoever. I have just always loved lyrics and words, but I never believed I could write anything. But I do remember getting my first cheque for something I had written - £20. I started writing and I paid for a little cassette. My wife said we could never afford it, but I bought it and I recorded and it laid the groundwork really.”

Since then, Charlie has gone on to show that he’s here for the long run.

“It’s a very fickle world in the music business, but the nice thing is that the people that come to see me are the older people - like myself! And when they put an arm around you, it stays there. It is wonderful to sustain it, but also I have got a great team around me. Anyone who says they do it on their own is an idiot!”

“But also I think people like the fact that I am just an ordinary bloke from the back streets of Merseyside. You can’t get grand living where I do. I have always hated pomp and circumstance. I have always hated arrogance. If you start behaving like that around here, they will pretty soon put you back in your box!”