FORMER Traffic man Jim Capaldi drives into The Brook, Southampton, next week.

Capaldi was the original drummer with the band in the late 1960s, featuring on hits like Hole In My Shoe and Paper Sun.

Now on a European tour with his own band, Jim visits The Brook on Thursday, May 9 - 40 years after forming his first band while at school.

Still a teenager when signed by Pye Records with The Hellions, he later founded Deep Feeling with fellow Traffic musician Dave Mason.

In the mid-1960s Jim became a regular face at the legendary Birmingham nightclub The Elbow Room, jamming with various bands after their shows. It was here that the idea of Traffic was born.

Apart from Traffic's 11-album multi-platinum career, fuelled by Jim's writing partnership with Steve Winwood, Jim has enjoyed a solo career of note with 11 albums since the days of his first solo project, while still a member of Traffic.

Love Hurts was a major hit worldwide in 1975, and he maintained his momentum with US successes like That's Love in 1982, and Something So Strong in 1987.

For tickets and information, call The Brook on 023 8055 5366.