FOR most of the old school rockers who turn out once a year in a field at the back of a village pub in Wiltshire it is a novel experience.

But for American Suzi Quatro who between 1973 and 1980 featured in the British charts for 101 weeks and has sold more than 55 million records to date it will be like coming home when she appears at the Concert At The Kings at All Cannings, near Devizes.

For Suzi, 65, is an old friend of The Sweet's Andy Scott who lives in the village and is one of the founders of the festival that on May 21 will celebrate its fifth anniversary.

Quatro, who despite being a grandmother still dresses in leather on stage, said: "I know All Cannings well. I have been there a number of times and stayed with my friend Andy. I am really looking forward to taking part this year. He has asked me several times before but the dates didn't work.

"This year I am so glad that I will be able to take part. I am donating my time to Rock Against Cancer as we all know someone who has been affected by the disease."

So far the concerts, that in the past have featured big name stars such as Bob Geldof and Brian May, have raised more than £112,000 for cancer charities and village causes.

She will be joined on stage by Scott but she made it clear this week that she will be dictating the music they play. She said in an interview with the Gazette from her home in Essex: "He is going to be joining me for a few songs but I will be in charge."

She said they were unlikely to get time to practice together but she was sending him tapes so he could learn her music. Scott told the All Cannings crowd last year that he got more nervous playing in the village in front of his friends and neighbours than he did at much bigger arenas all over the world.

But Quatro, whose Devil Gate Drive was number one in the UK charts in February 1974, said she could identify with that. She is married to second husband German concert promoter Rainer Hass and said when she performed in Berlin for a concert marking her 50th anniversary in the business she found it hard. She said: "That was the most nervous time. There were 22,000 people there and a lot of people I knew had flown in to see me."

But she still loves to perform and has no plans to retire. She stands by her quote of three years ago when she said: "I will retire when I go on stage, shake my ass, and there is silence."

This week, the former Happy Days actress, said: "It hasn't happened yet. I am lucky I don't need the money any more and I can pick and choose where I play. I really want to come to play in All Cannings I have heard great things about the concert from Andy."

She is looking forward to making the most of her weekend in Wiltshire by staying with Scott at his home. She said: "I want to be part of it all." Mr Scott said: "I have known Suzi since the 70s when we met through record producer Mickie Most. We have stayed good friends and I asked her if she would come to All Cannings.

"I am really looking forward to being on stage with her. I love appearing in All Cannings and hopefully this is going to be something special. She is a fantastic performer and has a huge following all over the world."

Tickets are now on sale. Go to concertatthekings.co.uk for full information.