ERIC Clapton and Roger Waters, two of the biggest rock stars in the musical universe, are considered to be his friends.

He has spent nearly half-a-century working in the music business, which includes a number one single and three world tours, plus more than one trip to the Dark Side of the Moon.

But all Andy Fairweather Low really wants to do is hit the road under his own steam, play guitar and sing his music - which is just what he is going to do when he kicks off a 35 date tour at the Riga Music Bar, in Westcliff, on Friday, May 23.

"I'm really looking forward to it," croaked the Cardiff City football fanatic, who was still hoarse from cheering on his team to a 1-0 Wembley FA Cup semi-final win over Barnsley.

"I finished my last set of shows at Riga and it was a fantastic night. I've played all these massive gigs with huge stars, as well as having success of my own. I wasn't sure whether people would know who I am. But I didn't need to worry as the place was packed.

"I also got to crash at our bass player Dave's house, who lives in Leigh. We had a few beers after the show and got to eat shepherd's pie for the first time in weeks. It was very memorable, so I'm happy to get this new tour off the ground back at Riga."

The 59-year-old has been something of a quiet man of rock. Chances are you'll know his hits - Wide Eyed And Legless, Reggae Tune, Bend Me Shape Me and (If Paradise Is) Half As Nice - if not his name. But all that's about to change.

Following his early days in Amen Corner, Andy has spent years playing with a galaxy of stars, which also includes Bill Wyman, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, The Who and BB King.

But Andy won't miss rubbing shoulders with the big boys when he goes it alone. "I won't miss it at all," he said. "Roger Waters is currently getting ready to play what he says will be the last ever Dark Side of the Moon gigs at the O2 Arena.

"I could have been there playing. Roger's a good friend and I've been playing alongside him since 1984 after he left Pink Floyd, right through the Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking and the Radio Kaos era, as well as the Dark Side of the Moon shows.

"But it's not the same as playing for myself.

This tour is going to be all about Andy Fairweather Low. It's going to be me singing my songs and playing guitar, two of the things I love the most, as well as watching Cardiff City.

"Anyway, Roger may say these are the last shows he is doing, but I'm sure there are going to be more. I've made the right decision I'm sure."

The tour coincides with a new release, The Very Best Of Andy Fairweather Low - The Low Rider, which is out in June, and follows his last album, Sweet Soulful Music, which was his first solo studio recording for 26 years.

"I can't wait," he said. "Music is my life and it is so exciting to be hitting the road again with a new album coming out at the same time.

"I've been doing this 45 years now and I'll be playing right through the decades, from the Sixties right up to Sweet Soulful Music.

"I like to throw in a bit of blues, gospel and New Orleans kind of soul too. It's going to be a real mixture. If you come along, you'll get everything, including the kitchen sink, thrown at you."