A ROCK ’n’ roll pioneer is coming to Grays in his 58th year of performing.

Marty Wilde, father of pop star Kim Wilde and singer of 1959 hit A Teenager in Love, will be playing at the Thameside Theatre on May 31.

Born in London in 1939 and beginning his career in 1957, as a teenager he was one of the first British singers to play a leading role in the development of rock ’n’ roll this side of the Atlantic.

After a string of hits stretching into the late 1960s, he began to work as a writer, penning a number of songs for daughter Kim Wilde including 1981 international hit Kids in America, as well as Lulu and Status Quo.

Now , at the age of 75, he is back touring with his band The Wildcats in a show that combines old hits with new material.

“This is a completely different show in so many new ways,” he said. “I can honestly say hand on heart, that it is one of the hardest shows that I have performed for some time.”

To book a ticket, priced £22, call the Thameside 0845 3005264 or visit www.thurrock.gov.uk/thameside-theatre