The heavy metal star returning to the stage with his local theatre group

In the 1970s and 80s, Neil Murray was a heavy metal guitar legend who played bass with some of the biggest rock bands on the planet.

As part of Whitesnake, Black Sabbath and the Peter Green Splinter Group, he has played at legendary venues around the world.

Now 75 and retired from full-time recording and touring, he has dusted down his guitars to take part in Selkirk Musical Theatre Group's latest show, We Will Rock You.

Murray, who moved back home to the Borders during the pandemic said: "My career was fizzling out so this was sort of me giving something back to the area I'm from."

Murray played in several semi-successful prog-rock and jazz fusion bands during the late 1960s and early 70s.

But his big breakthrough came with Whitesnake in 1978 - going on to record eight massive-selling albums and playing at packed out festivals and arenas around the world.

He remained in demand throughout the 90s, enjoying spells with the likes of Black Sabbath, the Peter Green Splinter Group and The Brian May Band.

As well as touring with the Paul Rogers-fronted Queen more recently, he became a permanent fixture in the West End with the Ben Elton musical We Will Rock You - which ran for over 10 years at the Dominion Theatre.

Murray added: "It is something of a coincidence that We Will Rock You is the only musical I've ever done - and that it was so successful and ran for such a long time that I know it inside out.

"It would be ridiculous to expect Selkirk Musical Theatre Group to be the same as a West End or Broadway show but it's getting up there in many respects - in terms of abilities and production values they have done an amazing job."

Stage bosses at Selkirk Musical Theatre Group announced last May that they had successfully applied for the rights to perform We Will Rock You.

Within weeks of publicly announcing their next stage production, Murray contacted the company.

President Amanda Black, who also plays Killer Queen, said: "After Neil contacted us we did a wee bit research and discovered what an amazing career he's had - and that he also knew the show as well as anyone.

"Shows like We Will Rock You don't come around very often for a small amateur group like ourselves and to have Neil added into the mix is just incredible.

"The stories and experiences Neil has been able to share with us are insane."

Even without publicising Murray's involvement in the show, the week-long run had almost entirely sold out ahead of the curtain rising on Tuesday.

And the early feedback has surprised even the most optimistic of cast members.

Graham Coulson has been involved for 60 years with the musical company that will celebrate its centenary in 2027.

He said: "The reaction after our first night has blown us all away.

"The whole audience were joining in - there is a group of ladies in their 80s who come every year and I saw them all punching the air along with everyone else.

"Having Neil with us this year has been great - we of a certain age all know who he is and what he's done, and we're thrilled that he offered to come along and help."

Originally from Gattonside, outside Melrose, education took Murray in his teenage years towards London where he remained throughout most of his adult life.

It was only during the pandemic he opted to join his siblings by returning to the Scottish Borders, with him eventually settling in Selkirk.

Although rock fans of a certain age still recognise him from time in the street, he feels the area is perfect for anonymity.

He added: "People in the Borders are fairly reserved and they don't show their excitement, unless its rugby."