IT was back in 1997 that the Illegal Eagles took their first tentative steps onstage.

The hatchlings debuted at tribute act at The Esplanade in Southend and this year, their tenth anniversary gig at the Cliffs Pavilion sees the country rockers come full circle.

When playing classics like Hotel California and Take It Easy, the five-piece - consisting of Keith Atack, Chris Childs, Danny Vaughn, Jeff Green and Phil Aldridge - have always kept the seaside town close to their hearts. And although they perform there every year, the guys can't wait to come home for their tenth anniversary.

"The Cliffs is by far my favourite venue," says Californian frontman, Jeff Wild Man' Green. "It's our local gig, so to speak, and we're always sold out there, which is a great feeling. It means people still like what we do.

"It's always heartening to see the new and old faces at our gigs. We make sure we do a signing session after every show and I'm really looking forward to people coming up and saying hello in Westcliff. We're very grateful to all our fans because they have sent us on our way."

Indeed, the band have come far since they first played to an apprehensive audience. But now, they regularly sell out venues around the world including the Royal Albert Hall - "a crowning achievement" for the group - and are thrilled that what started out as a bit of fun has snowballed into a full-time job.

"I really didn't think it would last this long," laughs Jeff, who has spent the last two decades living in Southend but recently moved to Ireland. "I thought the band would be something to pay the bills for a few months but things have just got bigger and bigger, which is great. I still enjoy it too - probably more so now than ever before.

"I used to take the Eagles for granted, growing up in California," he reveals. "They were always on the radio and seemed to be a staple of American music but it wasn't until I actually joined the band and had to learn all the songs that I realised how clever the material actually is."

So what have the Illegal Eagles got lined up for their anniversary tour?

"Well, first of all, we've got a new singer, Danny. He's American too so that helps to take the mickey-taking off of me, " Jeff chuckles. "We've also got a new song - called How Long - which has only just been released by the Eagles, a few other songs that we haven't performed live before, and an all-new lighting and stage show.

"Our Essex gig is a bit of a one-off because our actual tour doesn't kick off until February," he reveals. "It's good because Danny has helped to inject a new energy into the band and we all get along really well. We wouldn't want to end up like the real Eagles - always fighting and hating each other!" Jeff laughs.

But if the reformation of the real Eagles is anything to go by, that won't happen. Well, not until Hell Freezes Over.

Illegal Eagles Tuesday, October 23, 8pm Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Westcliff Tickets: from £15.50 01702 351135