Francis Rossi strips back the gloss of his rock 'n' roll lifestyle to reveal some famously indiscreet tales of a career that spans more than 50 years.

The Wyvern Theatre is welcoming the lead singer of the legendary Status Quo, who notched up hits such as Down Down, Rocking All Over The World and What Ever You Want. The spring line-up in Swindon includes other big names such as Heather Small, lead singer from M People.

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Francis was one half of the rock 'n' roll duo until his music partner Rick Parfitt died on Christmas Eve 2016.

I Talk Too Much is the name of Francis' latest UK tour and the autobiography he wrote with writer and broadcaster Mick Wall. The musician will be stopping off in Swindon for an intimate evening of chat, videos, memories, songs and tales about some of the giants of the music industry.

Francis said: "This show is something new for me. It will be live and unscripted! One thing's for sure though, it'll be a white-knuckle ride for me, but fans will get a real unvarnished insight into what’s happened over the years. I'll be taking a guitar along to demonstrate how some of those Quo classics came into being, and hopefully we'll take a few questions from the audience too."

Along with the tour and book, Francis is about to release a new album he created with vocalist Hannah Rickard entitle We Talk Too Much. Hannah is no stranger to the guitarist as she worked with Status Quo on the Aquostic projects.

Francis will also be performing with Quo on special dates throughout the summer including Let's Rock The North East as headliners, Let's Rock Leeds, Let's Rock Essex and as special guest on four dates of the Lynyrd Skynyrd farewell tour.

The musicians' beginnings stretch back to Rossi's Ice Cream Parlours, as his father was Italian and his mother Irish. He grew up in Forest Hill, London and managed to get expelled from his comprehensive school on his last day.

His love of music was inspired by The Everly Brothers but it was a Christmas present of a guitar that started Francis on his rock 'n' roll journey. He wrote a song called Pictures of Matchstick Men in 1967 and it shot into the charts both here and in the USA and the Status Quo magic was born.

A diva of the 1990s Heather Small headed up the dance act, M People, who had hits with Moving On Up, One Night In Heaven, Bizarre Fruit and Search For The Hero. Since going solo the distinctive voice of the singer has been in demand for dates such as the 2012 Olympic bid, the 60th anniversary of VE Day in Trafalgar Square, the launch of the Queen Mary 2 and The Tsunami Relief Concert.

Heather is coming the Wyvern on Sunday April 14 and Francis Rossi with I Talk To Much on Friday April 26. For more details call 01793 524481 or visit www.swindontheatres.co.uk - Flicky Harrison