I suppose it was about thirteen years ago when I first came across the name of Al Murray when he was starting to make a reputation for himself and was fast becoming a Fringe favourite with his no nonsense character The Pub Landlord, like it’s creator a larger than life somewhat scary looking individual.

I came under the scrutiny of the publican at a benefit show, when somewhat foolishly sitting in the front row without a pint, I was driving that night, an excuse that did not go down too well with Mein Host and since then both held him in awe but also respect for the man and his undoubted talent.

Things have certainly moved on a pace over the intervening years and after he eventually and not before time finally won The Perrier Award in 1999 His place has been assured in the public’s mind.

Although he no longer frequents the Fringe, we are never short of this jingoistic, abrasive yet strangely vulnerable character as he has a string of DVD’s , appearances on TV with the likes of Live at the Apollo, Royal Variety Show Time Gentleman Please on Sky and now his prime time ITV Chat Show to keep the interest going, and now Murray is in the middle of a sell out Al Murray – The Pub Landlord’s Beautiful British Tour playing to some of the bigger venues throughout the country.

Sheila and I caught up with him for his second sold-out show at Glasgow’s 3000 seater Clyde Auditorium and the combination of the man and an up-for-it Saturday night audience was a sure fire winner.

Murray was at his best when talking to, slagging off, and generally interacting with his crowd. One or two tried to heckle, him, not advisable, the man is a master of the put down, but one thing he was funny, if somewhat out there at times.

The massive crowd lapped up his first set, fully 50 minutes, which was over all too soon for most. However both Sheila and I thought his second set was far, far better. This part was longer, which helped, funnier if possible and the subject matter more varied.

When it came to the end as all great things always have too, many of the reputationally hard to please Glasgow audience where on their feet, giving a standing ovation to someone who is essentially a hard headed, out spoken occasionally aggressive Englishman. Some complement that!! And one I can concur with.

For the chance to catch the man, assuming there are any tickets left which is doubtful, check out his website www.al-murray.com for the details of the rest of his tour and if you can beg, borrow or steal one do it. You would not want to be the one that misses out I can assure you.