ALAN McGee admits that he has been surprised by the reaction to his one man show which he is bringing to Blackburn this week,

But really he shouldn’t be.

After all he is known as the man who discovered Oasis and ran both the Creation and Poptones record labels. He has also managed bands including the Happy Mondays and the Jesus and Mary Chain. In essence, he has played a key role in the UK music scene for more than 35 years.

In ‘An Evening with Alan McGee’ the ebullient Scotsman will share stories from his remarkable life and then allow the audience to ask their own questions.

“Nothing is out of bounds, nothing is off limits,” he said. “This isn’t going to be sanitised in any way. if people want to know something, they can just ask me.

“I’m pretty good at talking in public, or at least I am now, maybe not so much when I was younger, and I really enjoy these nights.”

Alan has done a number of these shows already and the demand for them is growing.

“It has really surprised me that they have gone so well and that more keep getting added to the list,” he said. “I think we’re up to about 80 shows now which I never expected.

“What is surprising is that they are proving so popular in less obvious venues. It’s not all big music cities like London and Manchester - it is places like Blackburn where there seems to be a real demand.

“It is really humbling when you think that all these people are willing to fork out cash to come and see you.

“They’re also asking some interesting questions. Sure some are like ‘who took the most drugs?’ but others are really insightful.”

Alan has recently launched a new record label, Creation 23.

One of his first signings has been Blackburn band The Illicits whom he signed after watching them play a live set at the Electric Church.

“It’s funny, I hadn’t been to Blackburn for 30 years and then I’ll have been back to the town in a matter of weeks when I do this show,” he said.

He’s clearly back in the spotlight with his tour, his new label and the forthcoming film based on his autobiography which is being directed by Danny Boyle and will feature Trainspotting actor Ewen Bremner as Alan.

“That’s going to be mad when that comes out,” he laughed. “I am involved in the film but I’m really letting Danny get on with it.”

At the end of the night Alan will be around to meet fans and sign memorabilia and there will be a live set from the band Cleargreen.

Evening with Alan McGee, Blackburn Empire Theatre, Thursday, May 16. Details from 01254 685500 or www.blackburnempire.com