A much-praised singer-songwriter inspired by the great acts of the ’60s is set for an intimate pub gig next week.

Alex Lipinski, 27, will play The Wanstead Tap, Forest Gate on September 17 and the star, who has been performing since the age of 14, says he can’t wait.

“The format allows me time between the songs to talk to the audience – it almost becomes collaborative,” he said.

“I’m excited to be playing here – I’ve heard great things about the venue.”

Lipinski’s 2010 debut, Lonesome Train, won wide acclaim, and he subsequently worked with former Oasis guitarist Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs.

Now, having just finished recording his latest album in Berlin, he is happy to be back on the road.

“Some younger performers want it all now – they don’t want to do the constant gigging. But that’s like an apprenticeship – it’s important,” he said.

“I was 10 when I learned guitar and a few years later I was playing my first shows in pubs.

“It’s how you learn.”

Lipinski, who is from Weston-super-Mare, was raised on the likes of The Beatles, Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen – and continues to learn from the classic acts.

“Bob Dylan is someone that has been a massive influence,” he said. “And sometimes people even compare me to John Lennon, which is a really huge compliment.

“Someone I’ve been listening to recently is Nick Drake. My new album is acoustic, stripped-back – a bit like Drake.”

The other passion in Lipinski’s life is football – he is a big Aston Villa fan – and he admits he once even considered a career in the beautiful game.

“It was football or music – and I wasn’t good enough for football,” he said.

“I think it helped a lot that I’m from a musical family, though. My brother helped me a lot and we even gig together sometimes now.”

Doors open at 7.30pm, tickets cost £5 per person. See thewansteadtap.com for more information.