Steve Black of Fred Zeppelin's perfect weekend

Midlands rockers Fred Zeppelin – a tribute to the region's very own uber-rockers Led Zeppelin – are celebrating 18 years on the road this year. Fredz drummer Steve Black shares a Perfect Weekend.

It's Friday afternoon. What's on your mind?

Friday afternoon is usually all about finishing work as early as possible to get home to get the drums in the car. Every Friday night we gig, it's rock'n'roll. We hit the road and play. We used to travel a lot but we now keep it to the Midlands because getting back at 5am is no fun any more.

Who normally has the pleasure of your company at the weekend?

Normally we're gigging. But if we're not, I'll be spending time with my wife. On a Saturday we like to go into the countryside.

I like to go pike fishing when I can. We've got a caravan in Crew Green, it's not very rock 'n'roll, but it's great fun. I like fishing and I enjoy a pint because I'm a real ale fan.

I love watching tribute bands too. I also promote other bands, so I might be at a gig.

How do you prepare for a big night out?

If I'm preparing for a gig, I have to make myself look as good as I can at my age.

If I'm going out with the wife, we'll start early and go for a beer, then have a good session on the town before ending with a nice curry and a taxi home.

What's your favourite party outfit?

I put my lederhosen with a deer stalker hat? Ha, look, just put something to make it sound sexy.

You've just arrived at the bar. What's your first drink?

It's got to be a local real ale. I'm a fan of the beers they brew in Bishop's Castle, at the Three Tuns and Six Bells breweries. They make a really good pint out there in Shropshire.

I've always been a fan of the real ale, ever since I've been the legal age for drinking. I like a lager with a curry, but otherwise it's always real ale.

What is your favourite nightspot and why?

The Robin, in Bilston. That's my favourite venue because it never lets you down.

The quality of the acts is always immense and the sound system is just out of this world. The number of venues like that is dwindling.

There used to be dozens of them across the Midlands but we've lost a lot of them. It's harder for people being in a band, or watching live music. There are a lot of overheads in live music, so it ain't cheap. The Robin has managed to keep things going, thankfully.

Tribute bands are great because you can see someone for a tenner, instead of £50, and you know they'll play just as well. I also enjoy the Slade Rooms, in Wolverhampton, and The Ironworks in Oswestry.

What tune always gets you on the dancefloor?

Brown Sugar, by the Rolling Stones.

It's a sunny Saturday. What are you up to?

It usually involves alcohol. If the weather is warm, my wife and I will head to country to a decent pub.

What's your most memorable weekend ever and why?

I'll be heading for a divorce if I don't say the weekend I got married. It was 24 years ago, in West Bromwich, in Greets Green.

We went to Hagley Rugby Club afterwards and it was the best weekend of my life.

What's the recipe for a perfect night in?

A perfect night in would be a good DVD, a good meal and a few beers – and of course the company of my darling wife.

Favourite DVD? And what would you eat while watching it?

I'd snack on a Chinese takeaway and I love The Long Green Line.

Sunday breakfast – cooked or continental?

Definitely cooked, as big as possible. Black pudding, bacon, beans, sausage, egg, fried bread, tomatoes, big mug of tea – the lot.

When I've been a good boy on a Saturday night, I might be able to get something like that on a Sunday morning. I love it. You can fill my plate until it's overflowing.

Sunday lunch – home cooked or down the pub?

Home cooked. Roast and all the trimmings. There's nothing better. I'd always favour home cooking over going to the pub.

When and how do you like to relax?

Usually after a gig I get to relax. You'll find me at three o'clock in the morning sat on my sofa, back from a gig, watching TV on my own, trying to switch off. The wife and I also relax each night after we've had our tea.

You've got a whole weekend off – which country or city would you head to?

Rome. That's where I'd go. I'd just do all the sights. I love Italy, I'm a big fan.

* Fred Zeppelin play The Haygate, in Wellington, Telford, on December 9. Call 01952 247333 for tickets.