Joe Brown and family take to the stage

IT could have been Elmer Twitch (and the Fidgets) taking the stage at Broxbourne Civic Hall next week. But Joe Brown resisted the suggestions of the man who created such starry names as Marty Wilde, Tommy Steele and Billy Fury, not forgetting Vince Eager,

IT could have been Elmer Twitch (and the Fidgets) taking the stage at Broxbourne Civic Hall next week.

But Joe Brown resisted the suggestions of the man who created such starry names as Marty Wilde, Tommy Steele and Billy Fury, not forgetting Vince Eager, and stuck to his guns about sticking to his own name.

And Elmer's career might have been short-lived had it been saddled with one of the barmiest of names from the mind of '50s pop impresario Larry Parnes.

Joe Brown will be at the Hoddesdon venue on Thursday (March 19) in a follow-up to his sell-out 50th anniversary tour.

The man who scored early British pop hits with Picture of You and That's What Love Will Do will play with his long-serving band - who may or may not be going by the name of The Bruvvers - and special guest Pete Brown.

Young Pete comes from distinguished musical family - his sister is Sam Brown, a soulful singer who's a lot more than a belter, and his dad, of course, is Joe.

In his successful 20-year career, Pete has largely shunned the limelight, earning widespread respect as a record producer and as a musician in his own right, working with a roster of names ranging from jazz pathfinder Courtney Pine to the late, great Dusty Springfield.

The evening promises to be a musical celebration incorporating Joe's unique musical style and humour, and will include timeless classics, 'rockabilly', gospel, country, folk and electric rock 'n' roll.

Tickets cost �20 and Friends of Broxbourne Civic get a 10 per cent discount.

The box office number is 01992 441946, or call in at Broxbourne Civic Hall or any Broxbourne Council One Stop Shop or www.broxbourne.gov.uk/whatson.