Shakin’ Stevens, the most successful UK chart-topper of the 80s and boasting a 147-track catalogue of hits, is kicking off the second phase of his 30th anniversary UK Tour, writes Nicholas Hitchens.

The 63-year-old has shrugged off health concerns following a heart attack last year to sign up to a 26-date tour, the second part of his 30th anniversary celebrations.

Stevens burst on to the music scene with singles Green Door and This Ole House in 1981 going on to record 33 top 40 singles, and ranks as the UK’s 16th highest-selling artist in history.

He says: “I believe I was sent here to make music. Not everyone gets the chance to follow their dreams. After all these years I still love it and think I have something to offer.”

Shaky, who was raised near Cardiff, suffered a scare in July 2010 when he collapsed while recording his latest album and was taken to intensive care.

Despite this his was determined to go through with a celebratory 2011, which has already seen him play 19 gigs in February and March, tour Europe and make a series of summer festival appearances.

He says: “I feel great. I am fighting fit. The thing is it could happen to anyone – you see things in the news about children having heart attacks.”

Last year Shaky put together his 147-track Epic Masters album set and it was this project that convinced him to put on the anniversary tour.

He says: “I was looking at the dates and it dawned on me it would be 30 years. Whether there will be a 35th year of a 40th year event, I don’t know, you can never say, but as long as people are turning out to see me I’ll keep touring.”

Audiences flocking to the Fairfield Halls can expect a reworking of some of his classics as well as album tracks and new material, performed by Shaky, accompanied by a 10-piece band and three backing singers.

Shakin’ Stevens, Fairfield Halls, November 18, 7.30pm, £26.50, 020 8688 9291, fairfield.co.uk