It's pretty refreshing to speak to a 'star' (and I don't use that word lightly) like Willie Nelson and to have him admit to having quite a few faults and shortcomings.

This in answer to my starter-for-ten - question, "How does it feel to wake up in the morning and know you're an iconic father-figure?"

He has six children of his own (and is married for the fourth time) - all are coming to see him on tour.

Nelson began writing poetry at the age of four or five, around which his first melodies were written. It's safe to say that music has been his life.

He's currently touring with a new album, 'The Great Divide' which features duets with the likes of Sheryl Crow and Lee Ann Womack - "the kind of way I enjoy making music," he says. "Finding new hurdles to leap".

It's exciting for Hereford to feature as part of this big city line up and Nelson is excited to be visiting a rural community, very much his make-up.

Country music is, loosely speaking, where he has made his main mark. To what extent does he feel the move of this genre from back water to main stream may affect its strength down the line?

"I've seen it happen in the past, where country has stretched itself and become too thin. It's a big risk.

"But with traditional music like the soundtrack to 'Brother Where Art Thou' proving such a world-wide hit, it's pretty safe".

He's a man with a few missions, aside from playing golf and cards with his friends. Each year he fronts Farm Aid, a charity gig to raise money for the farming community of central America, who he feels "neither political party have much respect for".

He's committed to both the community from which he sprung in Abbott, Texas and its future.

Early success came his way when songs he wrote for Patsy Cline in the 1960s went on to become chart hits.

"I'm basically a song-writer.

"I played in clubs to make a living but I was glad for other people to make hits of my tunes".

These days he admits to being adictedly to touring, which he does every year, and he has a huge following.

Selling encyclopaedias door to door was another early job, a skill which he feels he could polish up even day.

"Where exactly are you in Hereford?" he laughs, "I may just give it a try".

Julie Harries

l Willie Nelson plays at Hereford Leisure Centre this Saturday, June 8. For tickets contact 01432 278178.