BY day he works as the personal assistant for the boss of a haulage firm.

By night he metamorphoses into Michael Stipe, lead singer of REM.

His name is Rick Southern and so convincing is his transformation the real Michael Stipe has dubbed his band the best REM tribute act he has heard.

And, with the real REM booked to play at Manchester's Move Festival on Sunday, there's just a chance they may travel up the road to Blackburn's Arts in the Park event tomorrow to hear their tribute equivalent Stipe.

Manager and bass guitarist Tony Williams said: "We've asked REM along, although we haven't had a reply yet.

"We're going to see them play at The Move, so hopefully there's a chance they'll come and hear us too."

Tony claims Stipe are all big fans of REM, particularly lead singer Rick.

"He's liked them since they first came on the scene," said Tony.

"But we're all big fans. We try to play the songs as close to the original as possible.

"It's quite interesting because, before this tour, REM themselves had to go back and listen to their own CDs because they'd forgotten how to play a lot of their own material.

"In a way they're doing the same as we are."

As well as playing all REM's best-known hits, Stipe perform a selection of lesser-heard numbers, including Tony's particular favourite Coya Hoga.

He said: "It's a very good song - very melodic and dynamic. I like a lot of their more obscure songs."

Aside from trying to sound like REM, Stipe's five members don wigs and costumes in an attempt to resemble the originals as closely as possible.

Tony said: "We try to look a little bit like them which, for some of us, is quite difficult!"

Originating from the North West and the Midlands, Stipe consists of singer Rick and bassist Tony, plus guitarist Paul Tonge, Pete Nicholls on keyboards and Nick Peters on drums.

The group originally formed in 1996, but disbanded and reformed last year.

Tony said family demands had taken their toll.

"It's quite demanding being in a band. We've travelled to Ireland and down south and it puts extra demands on your family time.

"However, we're really looking forward to playing at Arts in the Park. Festivals are really exciting because there's so many people and a different atmosphere altogether."

Stipe will be performing at 8pm on Saturday on the alternative stage

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