Iconic figures from the 1960s are numerous - and as time goes by the survivors acquire an increasingly special status.

The first few bars of the 1966 hit I've Got to Get You Into My Life are instantly recognisable - thanks to the verve and energy of the band performing it, Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers.

Cliff (it is his real name) was born in Slough in 1940.

He will be back in home territory when he and the band perform at Windsor's Theatre Royal.

His family moved to Iver Heath when he was a baby where he has early memories of being taken to the shelter by his mum, as bombs fell on the nearby Slough Trading Estate.

The estate was a centre for munitions production and Cliff's dad worked there.

He said: "I was so young to me it was just fun. But my mother must have been worried for him every day."

Like many war babies Cliff grew up to be a pioneer of the 1960s musical and social revolution.

He toured Germany with the Beatles, who persuaded their legendary manager Brian Epstein to fly over to hear Cliff and his Rebel Rousers. They became Epstein's first 'London' band after initially turning down the offer.

Cliff said: "We just sat there with our mouths open and said we already had a manager.

"We were being managed by the wrestler Doctor Death."

How to tell this terrifying figure who always fought in a black mask that they were jumping ship?

Cliff said: "It was easy. He was really nice about it and told us to do what was best for us."

The friendship with the Beatles paid off in other ways.

The Rebel Rousers' biggest hit I've Got to Get You into My Life was written by Paul McCartney and John Lennon.

Cliff said: "I was friendliest with Paul and George. I remember sharing cabs, talking about this and that.

"When I first heard Got to Get You into My Life John was playing the acoustic guitar and Paul la la-ing the brass section of the song."

McCartney saw at once that the song would suit Cliff and his rhythm and blues band. At a time when most groups relied on a rock guitar sound, Cliff's band boasted a Hammond organ and two tenor saxophones.

They were pioneers and others who followed in their wake including Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames, Zoot Money and of course the Animals - who are sharing the bill with Cliff and his Rebel Rousers at Windsor's Theatre Royal on Sunday, October 2.

Fans will be delighted to know that the line-up still contains some original members - although sadly some are no longer around.

At 76 Cliff is happy to admit he has slowed down a bit. He recently turned down the chance to tour with fellow 1960s veterans Manfred Mann.

He said: "I don't need the stress of that now. The traffic now is terrible."

The box office number is 01753 853 888