Former Drifters star Ben E King

BEN E King will be performing at three Hertfordshire venues – the Wyllyotts Theatre in Potters Bar, the Alban Arena in St Albans and the Gordon Craig in Stevenage – over the coming weeks. Welwyn Hatfield Times reporter Ross Logan spoke to the legendary soul singer.

FEW songs have stood the test of time like Ben E King’s immortal classic Stand by Me.

Originally a hit in the US back in 1961, the song went on to achieve even greater fame after appearing in the film of the same name in 1986, and was number one in the UK the following year, after appearing in a Levi jeans advert.

Even today, 50 years since it was originally released, Stand By Me receives regular airplay on radio stations across the world, and its unmistakable bass line is instantly recognisable to young and old alike.

And residents in and around Welwyn Hatfield will have plenty of opportunities to see the man himself play it live over the next two months, when the ex-Drifters singer makes no less than three appearances in Hertfordshire.

King will be appearing alongside fellow American R&B legend Gary US Bonds for an extensive UK tour, The Great American Soulbook, and will be appearing in Potters Bar, St Albans and Stevenage between February and March.

The Welwyn Hatfield Times tracked down the legendary King for a quick chat before the tour kicks off.

“This tour has been put together by me and my great friend Gary US Bonds who I will be performing with,” says King.

“We’re really looking forward to playing some of my songs but also covering some of the greatest American soul classics of all time.”

Ben E King’s popularity has endured through the psychedelic 60s, the punk era of the 70s, the 80s electronic movement and indie in the 90s.

All the while, he’s stuck to what he does best – writing and singing classic soul and blues hits.

What’s his secret?

“The more you do, the more you can do,” he enthuses.

“The music scene has changed so much since I first started out and is still changing. There’s much more of any emphasis on playing live which is great.”

Even now, in his 70s, and after more than half a century performing, King’s appetite for playing live remains undiminished.

“It’s what keeps me going,” he says.

Even playing the obligatory Stand by Me? Surely he’s had enough of doing that one? Far from it.

“I will never have enough of a song that’s brought so much joy to so many people,” he insists.

“So many of my fans tell me how that track has become the soundtrack to their lives – I will never tire of that.”

The Great American Soulbook 2011 featuring Ben E King and Gary US Bonds will be at the Wyllyotts Theatre in Potters Bar on Saturday, February 5, Stevenage’s Gordon Craig Theatre on February 12, and the Alban Arena on March 13.

Check the links above for ticket details for each theatre.