THE Bee Gees Magic's gig in Blackburn next Friday will be a little less fraught than their most recent appearances.

For the tribute band has just returned from a tour in Iraq.

"We were the first Western artists to play Iraq in 35 years after Saddam had outlawed the music," explained Martin Spooner, who plays Robin Gibb in the show.

"We were flown in from Kuwait by Chinook helicopter to entertain the British troops.

"It was too dangerous to travel by road."

The trio played to 3,000 troops a night in Basra and Northern Iraq for the British Government commissioned shows.

"The coolest it got was 30C at night," said Martin. "In the day, when we were setting up, the hottest it reached was 62C.

"On one occasion we even played in a sandstorm.

"Well, you can't let 3,000 squaddies down just because it's a bit windy!"

The trio -- Martin from Bury St Edmunds, Lee Stewart from Northampton, who plays Barry Gibb and Peter Dedman from Bishops Stortford who plays Maurice -- were under armed escort at all times.

"The Iraqis hate the Americans, but love the British," said Martin.

"So much so, many are leaving Baghdad and moving to Basra. I put our troops' popularity down to the way they integrate with the local people. There were Iraqis in the audience at our gigs."

The Bee Gees tribute act enjoyed their overseas adventure but are looking forward to appearing on stage in the less turbulent environs of King George's Hall, Blackburn, rather than in the middle of a war zone.

They will perform the Gibb brothers' chart-topping hits like Stayin' Alive, Night Fever, Tragedy, More Than A Woman, How Deep Is Your Love?, You Should Be Dancing and Jive Talking.

As well as their appearance in Iraq, the Bee Gees Magic have appeared live on television and have played in a host of venues across the UK.

With their authentic '70s costumes and distinctive high voices, they capture the popular sound of the original band.

Their fans include many Bee Gees followers and they have even won the admiration of the Gibb brothers themselves.

Bee Gees Magic will play at King George's Hall, Blackburn, on Friday, October 3 at 7.30pm. For tickets, call (01254) 582582.