I was a little nervous about interviewing Sixties rock legend Arthur Lee, frontman of Love.

He was released from prison last year after serving six years for illegal possession of a firearm, is known for erratic behaviour and drugs and his UK agent had repeatedly warned me of his temperamental nature and worryingly insisted upon wishing me luck.

Yet, despite a determination to loop around my questions to say only what he wanted to, the icon fluctuated between charismatic rants and crackling humour with what can only be described as devastating charm.

Love were the first multi-racial rock band of the psychedelic era who developed a cult following despite limited commercial success.

The most acclaimed album, Forever Changes, is frequently found on lists of the best records of all time and, strangest of all, was the subject of an Early Day Motion (a device which draws attention to issues) in the Parliament last June when everyone was urged to "lighten up and tune in to one of his (Lee's) forthcoming British gigs".

"I didn't know if I was going to get hung or what the hell was happening," Lee ponders. "But they bowed down and all that with their suit clothes on. It was like I was the King of England."

The fact that Love's records barely touched the charts despite this loyal fan base has been blamed on their laziness when it came to performing outside of LA, their surly punk-style attitude towards Press and fans, a love of hedonism and drugs and a general apathy about selling themselves in any way.

"I never cared about all that," Lee claims. "I don't like that kind of life thinking about money and all that stuff. So, I just do my own thing, I do the best I can."

Despite this hesitancy to grasp fame, Lee still managed to inspire those who did with his innovative music, charisma and individual dress sense which included dark glasses, Edwardian shirts, scarves and unlaced army boots.

He got The Doors their first record deal and is said to have discoved Jimi Hendrix.

"The first time Jimi set foot in a studio, it was on a song of mine, then when I saw him later on he's wearing all my clothes. He had just looked at me and said 'I think I'll try it this way'.

"He always used to act so shy around me and I could never figure out why, and it was because he was a f****** thief. But I don't mind. I kicked the doors down for a lot of people with my music and my dress attire, it's just the way I do things and others seemed to like it."

Although time has passed since his Forever Changes heyday and Lee has travelled through all sorts of musical and personal ups and downs, he has recently been back in the studio working on a new album, is touring the UK and North America with a complete string/horn ensemble performing songs old and new and it seems others will be liking it for quite a time yet.

Starts 7.30pm, £12. Call 01273 709709.