A YOUNG Helensburgh musician is preparing to kick start his year as the support act for Wet Wet Wet bassist Graeme Clark at a charity performance.

Louis Page will open for Clark in ‘A Collection of Thoughts and Songs’ at Clydebank Town Hall on Friday, March 23.

The youngster had a busy year in 2017, playing his first solo gig in the Clyde Bar in Helensburgh before performing at the Belladrum Festival in Beauly, near Inverness, and releasing three of his own tracks.

Last year Louis also played the Clydebank gig for the first time after being spotted by organiser Mark Barrow.

Mark, a veteran fund-raiser, has been making an effort to help various cancer charities for a number of years through a range of events, and has raised more than £20,000.

The proceeds of this show, like last year, will also go to Teenage Cancer Trust.

Mark told the Advertiser: “My daughter has been healthy but not everyone is as fortunate. The Teenage Cancer Trust helps teenagers, who should have their whole lives ahead of them live for the moment and offers support.

“I am happy and proud to do what I can for such a brilliant charity.”

Now Louis is excited to open for “one of the greats” and to help raise money for charity.

Louis opened the show last year and Mark invited him back due to his performance.

Mark said: “When I invited Louis to perform last year I couldn’t believe his maturity. His performance was fantastic and it was a no-brainer to ask him back.

“He has grown over the last year and has earned the right to come back.”

Louis will join Crashton in what will be a pretty intimate show opening for Clark, who set out on his musical career 30 years ago performing his own music in parallel with his more famous band.

The Wet Wet Wet member wrote the melodies and words for hits such as Goodnight Girl, Angel Eyes and Julia Says.

Now he will take to the stage in his hometown in Clydebank Town Hall in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust.

Mark likened the event to a chatshow stating that Graeme would be interviewed about his musical career and inspirations before playing to a home crowd.

Graeme Clark, said: “I’m always looking for unique venues to play. I’ve written songs from my collection of thoughts and music gathered by my guitar and me over recent times.

“Inevitably that’s brought me back to where it all started and I can’t think of anywhere better to play than Clydebank, my home town”.

Louis is looking forward to sharing the stage with Graeme.

He told the Advertiser: “Getting the chance to open for one of the greats is just amazing.

“Wet Wet Wet produced so many incredible hits and to think that I’ll be able to play a few songs and then listen to Graeme sharing his own story of 30 years in the business and hear him play an acoustic set is great.

“The Teenage Cancer Trust is a great cause and it will be a brilliant night.”

Tickets for the event on Friday, March 23 are priced at £14.50 and can be purchased by visiting www.ticketweb.co.uk