Pop star to rock star, followed by a leap to folk fame - who would have thought Busted’s fresh-faced Charlie Simpson could be so well received by music-lovers in all three genres?

Kingston’s Banquet Records knew he would be a hit when they hired him for a show just before the release of his first solo endeavour Young Pilgrim three years ago.

And they have brought him back again with two back-to back folk shows lined up for next month- one that’s already sold out.

But being in demand is no new thing to the singer and guitarist who has managed to keep an army of fans from his Busted days which included hits such as the Year 3000 and What I Go to School For in the early 2000s.

But his reinvention as a rocker in band Fightstar alongside guitarist and vocalist Alex Westaway, bassist Dan Haigh and drummer Omar Abidi, brought him three top 40 albums, critical acclaim and even more fans.

Watch Charlie Simpson performing at Banquet Records in 2011

 

Jon Tolley, from Banquet Records, said: "We’re excited to welcome back Charlie to Kingston.

"He’s retained fans from both of his previous acts but his solo stuff is a really honed sound and certainly where he is in 2014.

"The first gig sold out in a matter of days and we’re not doubt the extra date will soon be full too."

Simpson’s intimate gig at Banquet Records will see the now acoustic singer-songwriter perform songs from his new folk album Long Road Home the day before it is released.

Charlie Simpson, Banquet Records, Eden Street, August 3, 6.30pm, £9.99, visit banquetrecords.com.