WHEN crooner Matt Monro called his 13-year-old son to join him on stage the boy loved it so much he swore he'd do it again. But before the opportunity came his father died, devastating fans across the globe.

Now, 20 years after his father's, death Matt Monro Jr is finally realising his dream. He is embarking on a 40-date nostalgia tour performing some of his father's greatest hits, including Born Free, From Russia With Love and The Impossible Dream.

"Putting this show together has brought so many memories of dad flooding back to me," said Matt.

"I have recollections from my early years, him showing me how to ride my bike, teaching me to play golf, riding the ferry in Hong Kong, the dad and son time we spent together is all so very precious."

Thanks to the wonders of modern technology the pair even perform a duet on the tour.

"It came about a few years ago when EMI approached me to record an album of duets with dad through the marvels of technology," he said.

"It had just been done with Nat King Cole and his daughter Natalie with the album Unforgettable. It was an opportunity for me to have a 14 track CD of my dad and me and it holds a very special place in my heart."

And what does Matt think his father would make of it all?

"My father never did an album of duets with any artist and I think the advances in technology that have enabled this to come to fruition would stun him. I think he would be very proud."

Many people do not realise Matt Jr has been singing professionally for the last 18 years. It was his father's death which originally inspired him to take to the stage.

"Just after my father died, a tribute show was put on at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London," he explained.

"It was a fantastic evening, filled with stars from stage, radio and television, celebrity speeches and cabaret performances.

"My sister and I had conspired behind our mum's back for me to sing a couple of songs in tribute to my father. It was the first time I had sung live.

"The performance was life-changing. David Jacobs, a special guest of the family, made a comment that I was a raw talent waiting to be unleashed.

"That night launched my career and I have spent the last 18 years learning my craft and paying my dues and it has shaped me into the artist I am today.

"I am determined through my singing that the name of Matt Monro will always remain up there in lights. Here's to the next 20 years."

The Matt Monro Special 20th Anniversary Tour calls at Blackpool's Grand Theatre on Sunday, November 6 (box office 01253 290190).