Interview: Soul singer Junior Giscombe

The singer had a string of hits in the early 1980s, most notably Mama Said, before turning his attentions to writing and producing songs for other artists but is still a regular on the live circuit and plans to play at Aston's in October.

Recently Junior, 52, has been touring with soul legends Alexander O'Neal and Kenny Thomas, including shows at the Indigo2, but he also had a spell on the road with the late great Michael Jackson.

He said: "I was on the Bad tour in 1988 with Michael. He was a nice guy, funny, clever and inspiring. I've only got good things to say about him.

"I've no doubt he would have been able to handle 50 shows at The O2. Don't forget he was on the road since he was 10 and was doing 250 shows a year in his early days.

"Working with him was a real thrill and it's tragic that he's gone. I was planning to come down to The O2 to say hello to him.

"He was such a perfectionist and to watch him every night produce the same passion in his performances was awe inspiring. Michael was a true icon."

Junior is still recording and will be releasing a new album of material later this year. He admitted he was glad he had his period of chart success when he did.

He said: "Most acts now come from television. The industry is in a very different state, with everything led by visuals. More money is spent on advertising the artist rather than on the artist and people are not concentrating on the music."

For more about Junior visit juniorgiscombe.co.uk.

For details of Aston's music nights visit astons-bar.com.