A guitarist is set to take to the stage in Shepreth this evening at a venue known for putting on top music nights.

Rob Eaton will return to the Mandolin Stage at the Plough to showcase covers and original songs.

He has reflected upon where it all began.

“I started playing piano when I was younger, but when I realised people didn’t need keyboard players in their bands I changed to guitar,” he said.

Rob listened to Coldplay and the Red Hot Chili Peppers growing up, and then discovered Jimi Hendrix, but now draws much of his influence for his ‘bluesy - folky rock with some soul in the mix’ from artists like Ray LaMontagne and Alan Stone. and much of his song writing influence from John Mayer who he said is an ‘amazing singer-songwriter’.

One-man act Rob, who hails from Letchworth and used to play in bands, started song-writing two years ago after going along to a friends gig.

He is looking forward to playing in Shepreth. The Plough is described as a village pub with big ideas. After being closed completely for almost four years, it underwent an extensive transformation under its new owners, before reopening in 2014.

Rob said: “It’s always a great place to play, People listen to what you want to do, there’s no pressure and it’s a nice little set up with the Mandolin Stage.”

The 26-year-old has an EP to be released in January, a couple of shows coming up in London. He has also filmed for BBC introducing which helped propel fellow musicians James Bay and George Ezra, both orginally from Herts, into music stardom. The gig this evening starts at 8pm.

See his Facebook page www.facebook.com/robeatonmusic or search for him on Twitter under the handle @robeeaton for more information.

He’s also on Instagram www.instagram.com/rob.eaton.music and Soundcloud www.soundcloud.com/rob-eaton-music.