SQUEEZE brought us some terrific tunes and the band’s main songwriting duo of guitarists and vocalists Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook were hailed by many as having a quality akin to Lennon and McCartney.

Glenn has more than earned his place at pop’s top table as one of the nation’s most cherished singers, guitarists and songwriters, not to mention an in-demand and endlessly endearing live performer.

However, more than 40 years after he first answered an advertisement placed by Chris Difford looking for like-minded sorts to form the band that became the much-loved Squeeze, he’s still making great music.

Such is the continuing work ethic of a fellow whose never been far from the action since Squeeze made their recording debut with the Packet Of Three EP in 1977. That humble trio of tracks led to such enduring classics as Take Me I’m Yours, Cool For Cats, Up The Junction, Another Nail In My Heart, Tempted, Labelled With Love, Black Coffee In Bed, Hourglass not to mention landmark albums like Argybargy, East Side Story and Some Fantastic Place.

Squeeze’s demise in 1998, though not permanent, saw Glenn embark on a solo career that spawned the albums The Incomplete Glenn Tilbrook (2001) and Transatlantic Ping-Pong (2004), showcasing constantly maturing songwriting talent. Arguably, though, Happy Ending is Glenn’s most personal work to date, a series of evocative portraits of time, people and places, that included writing and vocal contributions by his own children Leon and Wesley, in addition to old friends Simon Hanson (Fluffers/reunited Squeeze drummer) and Dennis Greaves (Nine Below Zero, also Glenn’s compatriot in the side project band The Co-operative).

Armed with ready wit, raucous vibes and a shed load of grin-inducing great songs, the ever burgeoning festival circuit is frequently enriched by Tilbrook the troubadour, whether he be leafing through the plentiful back catalogue of Squeeze or dashing off impromptu audience requests ranging from Jimi Hendrix to Tony Orlando and Dawn, and all points in-between.

Meanwhile, Glenn’s out and about on tour and playing The Forum at Barrow on Friday, June 7.

Box office 01229-820000.