5-4-3-2-1 – it’s The Manfreds! Rosy Moorhead sits down with original lead singer Paul Jones ahead of the band’s gig at Watford Colosseum and talks Manfred Mann, Jesus and, of course, the music.

Is it true you turned down being in the Rolling Stones?

What I actually turned down was an offer to be the singer in a group Brian Jones was forming. It only later became the Stones.

Are you and The Manfreds still in touch with Manfred Mann?

The Manfreds are; personally I wish I were, but we’re all so busy – right now I’m in Lancashire and he’s in Scandinavia somewhere. I stay in touch with some members of his Earth Band though.

Why did you decide to form The Manfreds in 1991?

It was Tom McGuinness’ idea, to celebrate his birthday by having all the bands he’d played in at one gig. It was a great night.

And you’re still touring, in your 70s - what’s life on the road like these days, compared to in the 1960s?

The more it changes, the more it stays the same. There’s no screaming, though.

What can we expect from the gig in November at the Watford Colosseum?

Hits by the Manfreds, hits by McGuinness Flint, hits by Mike D’Abo, hits by me; and the odd song we and our audiences love that weren’t hits.

Who’s in the audience at one of your gigs?

We have regulars, and there’s the occasional joke about how old they are - but we do have three (and even four) generations of one family sometimes.

What’s your weirdest/most disturbing fan moment?

After one gig in the ‘60s, I was in the gents’ loo, with several other men in there too, and a somewhat over-excited girl burst in and threw her arms round me from behind. That was weird enough for me.

What’s your favourite song to perform live and why?

The One In The Middle. It’s typical of the ‘60s, but the reason I like it so much is that it was far more successful than the record company thought it would be - and it’s funny.

What keeps you all going?

The same thing that got us started: the music.

When you look back over your long career, what are your highlights?

Winning Best Harmonica Player in the British Blues Awards 2010, 2011 and 2012 (three wins in a row means I’m in among the Greats, who can never be nominated again); acting at the Royal National Theatre; and persuading some wonderful musicians to do my Christmas charity gigs in Cranleigh, Surrey.

Who has been the biggest influence in your life, musically or otherwise?

Jesus.