I started in The Seven Stars Pub at Ponteland Folk Club in 1967, near Newcastle upon Tyne in England, when the resident band was called to do a TV show and the regulars had to keep the night going. I was so nervous the stage, which was an old door on top of beer crates rattled and nearly drowned me out.

I couldn't sing - I did a monologue - Piddlin Pete, which I'm sure you all know.

It brought the house down and I did Piddlin Pete weekly for about 6 months.

Then I got the courage to start a song and I haven't stopped since.

George