A rock and roll musician who has been performing on stage since 1955 is retiring after 70 years of singing.

Ricky Ford, 85, from Bristol, toured Germany in the 1960s, working with Beatles manager Brian Epstein, singing to sold-out crowds at Bristol’s Colston Hall and recording sessions at the world-famous Abbey Road Studios.

“I think it’s a great time to say ‘Adios’ and it’s been a great ride,” he said.

“I’ve had a great career as a live singer, so I wouldn’t change that. It’s what I’ve always wanted. I don’t think you could ask for more, right?”

Ford’s career began in 1955, when he appeared on stage while working as a projectionist at a cinema in Chipping Sodbury, north of the city.

“In 1959 I was working as a railway official at Temple Meads. [station]I used to sing it in the office.

“One of the players asked me if I wanted to join the Cyclones, and within a few months we were climbing the barometer in the local rankings.

“We played five gigs a week at youth clubs and village halls, eventually reaching 2,000 people at Colston Hall.

“Live performances at Village Hall were all about the music, and there were strict rules such as no swearing, no smoking, and no drinking.

“The promoter’s mother had a jug of orange squash on the table, and that was all the kids were allowed,” he recalled.

In 1963, the band toured Germany.

“All the bands did it because they were guaranteed three months of work. Then we got the job supporting Peter and Gordon and promoting their song ‘World Without Love.'”

Ford’s musical career introduced him to dozens of stars, including Screaming Lord Thatch, Johnny Kidd and the Pirates, Terry Dean and Billy Fury.

“Billy stayed with you all night when we met. I’ve rarely met someone so nice. He seemed more interested in you than himself,” Ford said.

He also met Roy Orbison and his band attempted to demo a song for the singer titled “You Are My Love”.

“It’s a beautiful song, but there are too many words for me,” Orbison told them.

Ford was the star of the first rock’n’roll religious musical, A Man Dies, which was performed at Bristol, the Royal Albert Hall, and on ITV.

EMI and producer Nolly Paramore recorded the entire cast at the world-famous Abbey Road Studios, which Ricky recalls as “an amazing experience”.

“Although it has since been overshadowed by Jesus Christ Superstar, A Man Dies was the forerunner of all these musicals.

“This song is still played on American evangelist radio stations,” Ford said.

“When I thought I had reached my limit, I was 63 and did a show in Crumlin, Wales, and the next week I got a call from someone from Llanelli who booked me for 15 more shows.

“I completed 70 club stints in the Welsh valleys and kept them going until I was well over 80 years old.

“I really enjoy being an all-around singer and entertainer, and that career sustained me and kept me in demand throughout my life,” he said.