WHAT do you think of when you hear the immortal lines “As long as a I gaze on Waterloo sunset, I am in paradise”?

I'd always assumed it was Waterloo, London, and that the dirty old river was the Thames, but it turns out the answer lies much nearer to home.

“Liverpool is my favourite city, and the song was originally called Liverpool Sunset,” smiles its writer Ray Davies.

“I was inspired by Merseybeat. I'd fallen in love with Liverpool by that point. On every tour, that was the best reception. We played The Cavern, all those old places, and I couldn't get enough of it.

“I had a load of mates in bands up there, and that sound – not The Beatles but Merseybeat – that was unbelievable. It used to inspire me every time.

“So I wrote Liverpool Sunset. Later it got changed to Waterloo Sunset, but there's still that play on Waterloo.

“London was home, I'd grown up there, but I like to think I could be an adopted Scouser. My heart is definitely there.”

And later this month he'll be back in the city, playing at the Philharmonic Hall. He's obviously loving every minute. As he talks about playing in Liverpool, his enthusiasm is clear.

“I love the Phil,” he beams. “It's such a great place to play. And every time I come to Liverpool there's something new. It's a treat I look forward to on every tour.