By Melanie Wallwork

KING of swing Andy Prior admits there have been many changes to his industry over the years.

And while the big band circuit may not be as thriving as in its heyday, the talented Leigh singer and musician insists the show must go on.

The 51-one-year-old is inviting people to come out and enjoy a night of music from legends Frank Sinatra and Glenn Miller, while raising money for charity.

Andy Prior and his Big Band will be at the Victoria Hall, Knowsley Street, Bolton, on Friday, June 12.

The 51-year-old said: "I know it's really healthy on the amateur scene and semi-professional side but, sadly, on the professional circuit, it's taken a bit of a blow.

"The work is nothing like it used to be.

"But we have got to keep going, that's what I'm doing."

Andy, who grew up in Plank Lane, would once perform in about 90 concerts a year but is now booked for about 10 to 15.

He said: "I think it's over the last five or 10 years.

"I have always tried to get a new audience.

"We have had a bit of a revival with Robbie Williams and Michael Bublé on the singing side of things which has helped a great deal.

"It's not all doom and gloom.

"I just think it's the cost of touring the band and promoting dates.

"It's very expensive but we carry on.

"I still love it after 30-odd years of doing it."

Hailing from a musical family, he was just a schoolboy when he started playing the trumpet and trombone, at the age of about 12, "when my arms were long enough".

He went on to play for Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra and, in 1984, started his big band, using a mixture of young talent and ex-professionals from the area.

Within a short time, he was invited to join the Eric Delaney Band at Blackpool Tower Ballroom and people came from across the country to see the legendary drummer and his new singing sensation, Andy.

In July 2004, his 20th year as a band leader was celebrated when Granada TV featured him in his own series with guest appearances from comedian Peter Kay, Coronation Street's Bill Tarmey and jazz diva Jacqui Dankworth.

He is now looking forward to next month's concert at the Victoria Hall, having usually played the temporarily closed Albert Halls over the years.

He said: "Last time I played the Victoria Hall, I think I was 16 or 17-years-old.

"What's exciting about this particular concert, we have got Bury Youth Big Band which I'm quite excited about.

"I went through the youth brass band scene, I think it's important to give experience to the players.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing and hearing them. That's where it all started for me, with that sort of organisation."

The concert has been arranged by the Rotary Club of Bolton le Moors and all money raised will go to its chosen charities.

Andy said: "It will be absolutely fantastic.

"We will be doing quite a few Sinatra covers because it's the Sinatra centenary year.

"People have asked us to do quite a few Glenn Miller pieces with it being VE year.

"There will be one or two arrangements of songs that everyone knows.

"The other thing about the show is that nobody seems to know which way it is going to go, even the band don't — we have a good laugh.

"It's not just a concert, it's a show."

He is hoping there will be a good turn-out when he swings into town with his 18 piece big band plus stage crew.

He said: "These are professional musicians. These guys and girls depend on music for a living to pay the mortgage.

"It has been very bad over the past few years.

"It's been shocking but things seem to be getting better now.

"The younger musicians coming through university, we have got better musicians than we have ever had but there's nowhere for them to work. It's sad."

Andy Prior and his Big Band plus Bury Youth Big Band will be at the Victoria Hall on Friday, June 12, at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £17 and are available from Bolton Hospice Shop, Knowsley Street, Booth's Music, Churchgate or Graham Yardley on 07836 358 222.