Having sold more than 30 million records around the world, 10cc are celebrating 40 years in the music business with a 28-date tour.

Kicking off in Kent and returning two more times to the county, the band are marking four decades of studio polish, virtuoso musicianship and impeccable vocals.

Singles such as Donna (1972), Rubber Bullets (1973), The Dean and I (1973) and Wall Street Shuffle (1974) set them apart as clever lyricists. They managed 11 top 10 UK singles in all, including the No1s I’m Not In Love (1975) and Dreadlock Holiday (1978).

“It’s hard to believe it’s 40 years since 10cc was born in Strawberry Studios in Stockport,” said founding member Graham Gouldman, 66.

“I’m immensely proud of all we have achieved. As long as the fans want to hear the songs played live I’ll be happy to oblige.”

Before forming 10cc, Graham wrote a string of million-selling hit songs including For Your Love, Heart Full of Soul and Evil Hearted You for The Yardbirds. He also wrote Bus Stop and Look Through Any Window for The Hollies, No Milk Today and Listen People for Herman’s Hermits and Behind the Door for The St Louis Union and Cher.

Fans who go along to see the tour will also hear the band’s other hits such as Art For Art’s Sake (1975), Good Morning Judge (1977), The Things We Do For Love (1976) and I’m Mandy Fly Me (1976.)

The current live line-up has been together for 10 years and includes lead guitarist and vocalist Rick Fenn and drummer Paul Burgess who have both worked with 10cc since the mid-1970s.

“The band, as it stands now is absolutely fantastic,” said Graham. “And of course our main strength and what we’re selling is the songs, nothing else. It’s hit after hit after hit. It’s relentless. We show no mercy.”

The tour begins at Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre on Thursday, October 11. Tickets £28.50, concessions £2 off. Box office 01227 787787. They then play at Dartford’s Orchard Theatre on Saturday, October 13. Tickets £28.50, £26.50. Box office 01322 220000. See them at Tunbridge Wells’ Assembly Hall Theatre on Sunday, October 14. Tickets £27, £25. Box office 01892 530613.