INTERNATIONAL folk star Donovan is returning to perform in Oxford 50 years after a gig that started a lifelong friendship.

Half a century ago today the musician played to more than 800 people at the now-closed Forum Ballroom in High Street.

It also marked the night he met fan and fellow guitarist then 17-year-old John Pollak.

Mr Pollak, a former Cowley resident and Oxford High School pupil, said: “I thought it was amazing, the sound he was getting, it was like there was more than one guitar.

“I waited to speak to him and said I was astonished at the sound he got. I told him I was learning to play and would really appreciate if he could tell me how to do it.

“He asked if I could wait in the lobby of the Eastgate Hotel and he would show me how it’s done.

“So I did and never thought he would actually show up, but he did and gave me a lesson for about 30 minutes. It was absolutely incredible.”

Since then, Mr Pollak – now 68 and living in Essex, with his wife Barbara – and Donovan have become close friends.

Donovan, who had hits with Mellow Yellow, Season of the Witch and Hurdy Gurdy Man in the 60s, told the Oxford Mail: “John and I have become friends over the years after we met all that time ago. It’s very touching.

“John followed me over the years and kept in touch and I have continued to teach him the guitar.”

Now Donovan is returning to Oxford in October to give a performance and guitar masterclass in honour of the anniversary.

He added: “It’s come full circle.

“I am looking for a place to play a memorial concert. It would be wonderful to teach some students in Oxford and tell them some of the extraordinary things I have seen and done.”