ROCK legend Steve Harley talks to the Wirral Globe about his sparkling new album, his Spring visit to Wirral and why next year is going to be an extra special landmark.

There have been 130 cover versions of Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel's timeless pop hit Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me) since it first topped the charts 45 years ago.

Now the turn tables are turning ...

Steve has a brand new album out called Uncovered.

It features his unique take on classic songs by singer- songwriters he has always admired and in some csses worked with.

It is a first for this multi-layered artist - a Steve Harley studio album of cover versions.

The end result is a five star collection that will surprise and delight his global audience of fans.

Steve also includes re-workings of two of his own songs.

The album simply oozes class and production-wise it sounds crystal clear. You can hear every 'click' in his voice and that is intentional.

He says he wanted to sound like he was 'playing live' in your living room.

His voice - without any special effects - was his ultimate aim.

Before he sets out on rehearsals for his UK tour he took time off to speak to the Globe.

"How is Wirral?" he says referring to the recent storms.

"I'm looking forward to playing the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton again. I was last there in 2016.

"Merseyside audiences have always been good to me. I love playing there and they know it.

"I am like an old friend dropping in."

He is clearly delighted with his new album which has given him an opportunity to to put his Harley stamp on songs that he says he wished he had written.

"That's true, I usually sing these songs around the house or when I am warming up before a show.

"I wanted the covers to be 'MINE.'

The mix of genres sums up Steve's all en-compassing love of all styles and genres of music.

He says some tracks have surprised people.

There's Hot Chcolate's Emma. He was an admirer of the late Errol Brown.

"I love the lyrics - they are so tragic and the song was five minutes long."

Steve also enjoyed crafting his own version of The Beatles album track I've Just Seen a Face - Paul McCartney's upbeat skiffle inspired song from the Help! soundtrack.

"Paul is a great Iyricist. Lady Madonna and Paperback Writer are other favourites of mine real classics.

"I am going to send him a copy of my version - and see what he thinks. He's a good egg."

Steve who once recorded George Harrison's Here Comes the Sun regrets not hearing what George thought of his unusual apocalyptic version of his song.

As well as Bob Dylan and Cat Stevens classics Steve tackled the Mick Jagger and Keith Richards sixties standard - Out of Time.

The sheer scope of material sees Steve duet with former Fairground Attraction singer Eddi Reader and he also pays homage to poet Robbie Burns.

David Bowie's Absolute Beginners is also given a stunning Harley interpretation.

Steve says that when he plays the Floral on April 16 he will be playing most of the album but there will also be plenty of his back-catalogue from hits such as Judy Teen to Mr Soft.

He will be on stage with his awesome acoustic band.

"You should hear the string section - hey man!

"When I'm working I just look around the room at the talent and I'm proud," says the London-born, author, accomplished actor and broadcaster.

He is also 'one of Britain's finest lyricists' according to Rod Stewart who covered Steve's sublime ballad Friend For Life on his Another Country album.

Steve came up to Liver pool to see Rod in Concert at the M&S Arena.

The two '70s musical giants have a lot in common: they are still recording and performing both at the top of the game.

Rock survivors with still so much to offer.

Steve, who is marking 47 years in his career, started out as a journalist and even spent time as a busker.

He says he has never lost his love of making music.

and says with an infectious laugh that he is currently enjoying 'exciting times'.

Playing with talented musicians still thrills him.

He adds: "whether it is working with engineer Matt Butler in the recording studio or my band on stage I am surrounded by real talent.

" Am I proud? ... you bet."

While on his current tour he will celebrate his 69th birthday with a concert n London.

And next year he is looking forward to hitting 70 in the way he likes best - gigging.

This time he is playing the 3;000 capacity Glasgow Armadillo Arena.

"I am flying in family and friends. "

Already half the tickets gave been sold.

Steve will also celebrate his 40 year wedding anniversary dreary to his beloved Dorothy.

He says he has never lost enthusiasm for a job he loves.

"I do from 70 to 100 shows a year.

" I look out and see the fans and hear them when they sometimes singalong and I realise that at least 50 per cent wanted to do what I do.

"I never take any of it for granted. Never.

"I am privileged to play and entertain the people who pay to come and see me."

Is Steve Harley happy in 2020?

He laughs an infectious laugh: "You betcha!"

Being a perpetual pop star certainly comes easy to Steve Harley - he's got it all well and truly . . . covered.

Steve Harley Acoustic Band is at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton on April 16.

Tickets from 0151 666 0000.

Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel 70th Birthday Party with string section and singers is at Glasgow SEC Armadillo Arena on February 27, 2021. Tickets from 08443954000.

Updates from www.steveharley.com