Glenn Tilbrook has more than earned his place at pop’s top table as one of our most cherished singers, guitarists and songwriters, not to mention an in-demand and endlessly endearing live performer. More than 40 years after first answering an ad placed by Chris Difford looking for like-minded souls to form the band that became the much-loved evergreen Squeeze, an ending remains nowhere in sight.

Anyone who has witnessed Glenn on stage can attest to the sheer rightness of his doings. Armed with ready wit, raucous energy and a seemingly inexhaustible supply of grin-inducing great songs, there are few musicians able to connect with an audience so immediately and warmly. Whether fronting Squeeze, headlining festivals, or fielding impromptu requests that might veer from Jimi Hendrix to Tony Orlando & Dawn, Glenn Tilbrook remains—by any measure—one of British pop’s most vital and life-affirming performers.