PJ Proby has a refreshingly forthright view about how his life has changed since the heady days of the sixties, when he was one of the biggest (and most notorious) names in pop music.

“There’s nothing wrong with living a normal life like I do these days,” he says.

“But how can you really enjoy not making millions like I did? You can’t beat having money and all that it brings, I used to have a jet, a schooner, Rolls Royces and homes in Chelsea and California, but not these days.”

“After all, getting up and singing is the only thing I know how to do.”

PJ, born James Marcus Smith 77 years ago, is one of the stars of the Sixties Gold music package heading to the Alban Arena next Saturday, October 8.

He will be joined by The Searchers, Brian Poole and The Tremeloes, Wayne Fontana, Gary Puckett & Union Gap.

PJ,’s catalogue of hits contain the likes of Somewhere and Maria, both from the musical West Side Story and Hold Me. Not surprisingly, the incident when his trousers split on stage leading him to be banned from many theatres is not amongst what he regards as his career highlights.

“As for highlights, there’s too many to go into, after all, there’s 52 years to consider. Really, everything I’ve done is a highlight.”

“But I’d have to say that Paul McCartney introducing me to the world in 1964 is a big highlight, and a low point would be Mary Whitehouse ruining all that.”

Even at this point in his career, PJ is still ambitious.

“I don’t have a favourite record, my favourite is yet to be recorded. All my other songs are efforts to produce something better.”

The Russian State Opera presents Carmen next Wednesday, October 5.

It tells the story of the downfall of Don José, a naïve soldier who is seduced by Carmen, a seductive, free-spirited femme fatale.

José abandons his childhood sweetheart and deserts from his military duties, yet loses Carmen’s love to the glamorous toreador Escamillo.

Finally, art-pop pioneers, 10cc come to the Arena on Friday October 7 for a gig celebrating the 40th anniversary of their seminal album Sheet Music – which included Top 10 hit The Wall Street Shuffle.

Led by 10cc co-founder Graham Gouldman, the band will perform two sets during the concert, the first half of the evening comprising of Sheet Music in its entirety, with a pause for the symbolic turning of the vinyl album.

The second part of the concert features a comprehensive spread of the band’s 11 Top 10 hits and more, including their three No 1s – I’m Not In Love, Dreadlock Holiday and Rubber Bullets.

Tickets for all shows from the obx office on 01727 844488 or online at www.alban-arena.co.uk