LEO Sayer is still performing in what be his sixth decade as a musician.

He's racked up 11 UK top ten and four US top ten hit singles; six UK top ten and one US top ten album; a Gold Badge of Merit; and a Grammy Award, in 1977, for You Make Me Feel Like Dancing, winning the award for Best Rhythm and Blues Song.

Add to that appearances on The Muppet Show, The Wiggles (DVD), Celebrity Big Brother UK (season five, for ten days), and a mention on The Simpsons.

Leo's heading out on a 25-date UK tour bringing his Just a Boy at 70 show to The Forum at Barrow on June 5.

“I count myself very lucky to have a wonderful band at home in the UK” explains Leo.

“I always look forward to coming back to perform.

“From Soho to Brighton by way of Cornwall to Glasgow, I like searching out all the places I used to haunt and see if they’ve changed, many haven’t at all, under the surface."

In addition to his UK tour and dates in Australia and New Zealand, Leo has just released his new album, Selfie, through Demon Music Group. A 15-track LP will be printed as a vinyl, limited edition pressed on heavyweight 180g pink vinyl.

Leo, who celebrates his 70th birthday during the tour, has had an extensive career in the music industry dating back to the mid-sixties, starting out with David Courtney and Adam Faith - and he wanted to be a graphic designer.

“I was trained a graphic designer and initially that was my chosen profession which brought me close to the music business when I designed record covers for artists like Bob Marley in the late 60s. I had always been around bands and also played harmonica with blues musicians, some of whom went on to great things themselves. I didn’t decide to give it a serious go until I met Courtney and Faith, David’s musical abilities as a co-writer and Adam’s talent as a manager was enough to persuade me.”

Although his first single from his debut album Silverbird was unsuccessful, his second release The Show Must Go On became a runaway hit: "Things happened very quickly after that," adds Leo. "I became a star when I performed as the pierrot which seemed to capture the world’s attention in 1974.”

Subsequent releases such as You Make Me Feel Like Dancing and When I Need You, went gold and topped the charts. When I Need You also reached number one in the States.

One Man Band, Moonlighting, I Can’t Stop Lovin’ You (Though I Try), Thunder in My Heart are just some of the many tunes in Leo's canon of classics.

Six of his first seven albums made the top ten of the UK charts with The Very Best of Leo Sayer hitting the top spot; one went platinum and five gold.

Since the turn of the millennium Leo has released seven albums and by the sounds of it he's still going strong.

“I don’t churn out anything, believe me, it’s hard work that takes a lot of soul searching. I love my job and put everything into it. I've just completed an entirely self-made album that’s taken me three years to create. I’m very driven, a bit of a perfectionist, always thinking my best work is still ahead of me. After 46 years of making records, and at the age of 70, that might sound crazy, but that’s how I am.”

“It’s going to be another great tour and I’m looking forward to the shows immensely.”

Box office 01229-820000.