Marbella: Like mini Los Angeles without smog and crime

“MARBELLA’S so cool man, I love it, it’s like being in a mini version of LA but without the crime, the gridlock and the smog,” laughs Al McKay, on his first trip to the coast since 2004.

“Last time we were here it was to play some super exclusive private party, so I’m really looking forward to connecting with our real fans this time.”

It will certainly be a rare opportunity to see one of the world’s top bands Earth Wind & Fire when they arrive – all 14 of them – for the concert on August 13.

“It’s going to be a great night,” adds Al, who has been writing music for over five decades. “We have so many fans in Spain so it will be a fabulous night.”

It has certainly been an astonishing career for a band whose hits include Boogie Wonderland, After the Love has Gone and Got To Get You into My Life.

It all started way back in the early 1970’s when Al was approached by Maurice White and asked whether he wanted to start a band with a new sound that combined elements of African, Latin American, funk, soul, pop, rock and jazz.

Their music was an immediate smash and they saw hit after hit, particularly between 1973 and 1981.

“It was an incredible time, so many hits,” Al explains by phone from his mansion in California. “A golden period I guess you could say.”

His favourite song is September, ‘not just because it was our biggest hit but because for me it contains all the elements of what makes our sound so unique’.

He also explained that the name EW&F came from Maurice’s astrological chart, and that he has always had a strong interest in astrology.

Indeed, had it not been for music, he would have liked to have become a professional astrologer. ‘I’m an Aquarian’ he adds ‘and we kind of have a feeling for these sort of things.’

EW&F play at the Puente Romano on Aug 13. Call 951 082 134 or visit El Corte Ingles and Ticketmaster.