Hugh Cornwell at the British Music Experience

As part of its commitment to educate as well as entertain the interactive museum at The O2 has already held a number of similar events, featuring the likes of Jeff Beck and Howard Jones, and the intimate setting certainly allowed the audience to get up close and personal with their hero.

Cornwell, now 60-something and perhaps not quite the punk icon of old, had plenty to say about his life in music as he was interviewed by BME curator Paul Lilley about his early influences, his formative experiences as a musician, his work with the Stranglers and his solo work.

Curiously, Cornwell was diffident about playing any of his songs and those present were treated to just two, including an acoustic version of Cadiz which ended prematurely when he forgot the words, while there was no sign of his most famous composition Golden Brown.

After the formal interview the floor was thrown open to the audience for questions - and there were plenty of wannbe writers seeking guidance on how to make it in the music business.

As well as offering tips on how to get that big break, Cornwell had some interesting views about the state of modern music.

He said: "I do worry that people won't listen to albums any more because they are too used to ipods, so they haven't got the patience to sit through a whole album.

"But what is encouraging is that people are still buying music. Downloads only account for 20 per cent of what people buy, because I think they still like to physically have something to look at."

Asked if he there where any songs he wished he had written Cornwell was momentarily stumped as he admitted there were far too many to mention, but the one he did choose was perhaps surprising for a man who made his name writing raucous songs about sex and drugs.

He said: "I do wish I'd written 24 Hours To Tulsa. I love that song."

The BME plans to hold more masterclasses. Check out its website at britishmusicexperience.com to keep up to date.