Even away from the spotlight, singer songwriter Phil Ryan has had a fascinating career.

As a writer and entrepreneur, he was one of the founding forces behind The Big Issue and iconic London music venue The 12 Bar Club, which provided an early-home for artists such as The Libertines, Keane and K.T. Tunstall.

On Friday and Saturday night however, the West Hampstead resident is returning to the stage at Piccadilly’s The Crazy Coqs for a night of songs and stories picked up during sessions jamming with the likes of Boy George, John Martyn and Van Morrison.

Featuring songs including Smile The Way You Do and Hard Habit To Break, Ryan’s masterful guitar work and passion for music will make it one for the purists.

Tickets are £25. Visit brasseriezedel.com/crazy-coqs