ICONIC rhythm and blues band, Nine Below Zero, roll into town tomorrow night to perform highlights from their debut album, Live At The Marquee, with an eight-piece band for the first time ever.

The original band members guitarist, Dennis Greaves and harmonica player Mark Feltham, were in Bournemouth last year performing with legendary band Squeeze.

And they have performed with some of the biggest names in the music business over the years including Eric Clapton, Chuck Berry and The Kinks.

But Dennis is the first to admit that many people have still not heard of Nine Below Zero.

“We’re a four letter word - we’re a cult,” he laughs.

“We’re not a band who has just had one hit - we’re more of an album band but we’ve always been just below the radar.”

However Dennis and Mark have survived around 40 years in the music business and their brand of high energy blues warranted regular TV performances on The Old Grey Whistle Test and The South Bank Show. They were also the first band to appear on seminal 80s show, The Young Ones.

Dennis says the secret of their longevity is to keep it fresh. “It’s important to keep changing things and writing new material. We’ve got some wonderful jazz musicians in the band now and we’ve got enthusiasm. There’s nothing worse than seeing a bunch of musicians just going through the motions.”

He adds: “I’m not a millionaire, but I’m rich in so many other ways. I’ve met some great people, tasted some amazing food and wine, and travelled the world doing the thing I love, so I’m very fortunate. I still wake up every morning and think, I play guitar for a living!”