ROCK prospect Pete Shoulder is looking forward to his first live performance this year.

The County Durham 18-year-old, who signed a six album deal with Sony's USA arm last year, will play at the Pretoria Club, Medomsley, near Consett, tomorrow night.

Pete, from Waldridge, near Chester-le-Street, last played to an audience in December at the Christmas party of Consett studio Northern Recording.

Since then, the guitarist and singer-songwriter has made two trips to America to work with established songwriters, including Dennis Morgan, who penned I Knew You Were Waiting For Me, a hit for Aretha Franklin and George Michael.

The talented musician is itching to play in front of a crowd again.

"It will be nice to be out of the studio and back in front of people, getting a reaction," he said.

The youngster, whose backing band is made up of former members of the Durham group Sugarwood, has also been writing songs. He is hoping that he will get the call to make his first album later in the year.

Pete signed for Sony after attracting interest from several labels impressed by his blues rock style.

He started playing to paying audiences at the age of 13 and soon built up a following on the region's pub and club circuit.

Doors open at 7.30pm and admission costs £2.50.