He was one of the first teen idols, forging a path now well trodden by several generations since. Dave Berry, who brought us The Crying Game, talks to us as he prepares to sing those hits to fans from back in the day – and some new ones.

Back in the 60s, touring for a young pop star like Dave Berry meant roughing it – and not being welcome in many hotels.

More than 50s years on, touring with the Solid Silver 60s show, it’s quite a different story. There are comfy tour buses and warm, welcoming hotels.

Dave, whose first hit record, Memphis Tennessee, was in 1963, followed by Top 10 hit The Crying Game in 1965, has seen a lot of touring.

He said: “In the 60s we weren’t welcome in the hotels. They were for business people – they just didn’t like the look of us. We used to have to book into hotels with different names. But today we have the best time ever – travelling is first class.

“We respect the hotels. We don’t go crazy.”

So does that mean Dave was a bit of a hell-raiser back in the day? Actually, no. He said: “It’s more than 50 years since I first met Peter Noone (who toured two years ago with the tour).

“We still laugh about it from back then, with us being young boys. I was called into the office by our agent one day to ask if I could be a more stablising influence on the younger musicians on the tour. Then we toured with the Rolling Stones and I did think I was a stablising influence.”

With such big names on the tour, it wouldn’t be surprising to hear there were a few egos rubbing up against each other – but it’s quite the opposite, according to Dave.

“We always got on very well. There are no egos. We have been around pretty much long enough to have no egos! Although I don’t really want to think about the age thing – no one does. I think whatever age you are you see yourself as a younger person.”

He’s happy his era of music is still loved. He said: “The 60s have come back into fashion. We tour every two years now, it’s great. And it’s all ages at shows. I find it very nice when the younger ones come in."

DETAILS

The Solid Silver 60s Show 2017 tour is at the Leas Clilff Hall in Folkestone on Tuesday, April 4, and the Orchard Theatre, Dartford on Friday, April 21. For tickets to either show, visit flyingmusic.com/box-office.