STOURBRIDGE musician Pete Boddis is celebrating his 75th birthday with a brand new album and a series of gigs.

The country and rock ‘n’ roll singer/songwriter will be heading out on the road for a series of promotional outings starting on Wednesday September 11 (from 8pm) at The Maverick in Amblecote to mark the release of his latest album And Our Love Will Exceed It All.

Recorded a month ago at Claptrap in Stourbridge, the album (Pete’s eighth) comprises a collection of Americano style love songs – most of which were written over the last 12 months.

Pete, a former newspaper lino type operator turned professional musician who runs Vintage vinyl shop in Lower High Street in Stourbridge, says he still gets a buzz from going out on the road – even after 60 years in the business.

He said: “I just enjoy it and the songs keep coming - fortunately. It keeps you going.”

Pete will be playing at Stourbridge Royal British Legion in Enville Street on September 12 and at St Peter’s Church, Hednesford, where he will join musician friends Chuck McAliffe and Dave Luke on what will be his 75th birthday on Friday September 13.

He will also be playing at the Tower of Song in Birmingham on September 14, the Queen’s Head in Enville Street, Stourbridge, on September 15 (from 4pm), Bilston Town Hall on September 28, Sutton Coldfield Town Hall on October 13 and Huntington Hall in Worcester on Saturday December 7.

The album will be available to buy at the gigs, priced £8. It may also soon be on the shelves at HMV at Merry Hill soon and people can buy copies from Pete’s Vintage shop above Suites Galore in Stourbridge.