ROCK maestro Larry Miller was born to entertain from the moment his theatre-loving father christened him after his favourite actor, Laurence Olivier.

Larry has been a frequent visitor to Swindon with a loyal following in the town and on Friday, March 6, he will again explode onto the Arts Centre stage with his bombastic, nuclear-powered blues rock magic.

He will be playing some old songs, some favourites and some new tracks from his latest album, Soldier of the Line, which includes One Fine Day, Mississippi Mama and Bathsheba, all gearing up to become blues classics.

The singer, songwriter and guitarist (pictured) keeps the blues rock flag flying in the wake of his heroes Rory Gallagher, Gary Moore, Jimi Hendrix and Johnny Winter. Yet his first instrument wasn’t exactly rock ‘n’ roll, it was a violin.

Larry said: “I was learning violin and only picked up the guitar because my brother didn’t want it anymore.’’

It was at the Reading Rock Festival that Larry first made a name for himself, playing alongside bands such as Thunder, Ian Gillan, Climax Blues Band and Peter Green.

Larry is an Essex boy, but his swagger is all for the stage. Out of the limelight he is the proud family man, gentle and shying away from his due praise, but always thrilled to chat to his fans and generous with his time.

His little son Ben nearly arrived in the world on one of Larry’s former visits to Swindon in 2008, but fortunately waited until his father had come off stage before making his grand entrance.

His step-daughter Molly has always been the apple of his eye and one of his songs, Moll, is dedicated to her.

Larry is always popular at the Cambridge Rock Festival and was a regular headliner at The Marquee in London.

He will be at the Arts Centre in Devizes Road from 7.30pm and tickets are £15 and £13, concessions from 01793 524481. See www.swindontheatres.co.uk – Flicky Harrison