BOO Hewerdine, one of the foremost and prolific songwriter performers in the business, brings his band and “Swinging in Mercury” album tour to the Milton Rooms on Saturday, June 17.

Many will have enjoyed his music without recognising the name. He has composed songs recorded by well-known artists such as Eddi Reader, Paul Young, Mel C, and Natalie Imbruglia, and his music has featured in TV and cinema including the soundtrack to the film High Fidelity, based on the book by Nick Hornby, a confirmed Boo fan.

The BBC described Hewerdine as "one of Britain's most consistently accomplished songwriters" but he is arguably also the most under-rated.

Boo first came to wide attention as lead singer and creative force behind rock band The Bible, formed in the 1980s. The group had a cult following, spread mostly through word of mouth and live performances, and released highly successful albums.

In 1988, Hewerdine decided to leave the group and pursue solo projects. As his star rose, he began to write for other artists as well as continuing to write and perform his own songs.

In recent times Boo has written lyrics and played on more than 30 new recordings by and with other artists including the acclaimed album (Vagabond) and EP (Back the Dogs) with chart-topping Scottish singer Eddi Reader.

Boo’s latest album “Swimming in Mercury” takes him back to his early days. “The process has been more akin to when I was starting out in an indie band. I used my father’s old beat up piano and I wrote some songs with my son, Ben which was great. It blows my mind that I still have the opportunity to make music, that I have a voice and that there are people who want to hear it,” said Boo.

Tickets for his show, priced £14, are available from the Milton Rooms on 01653 696240 or online at wegottickets.com/event/393867