LARGER than life is a phrase which tells only half the story when applied to the driving force behind Bad Manners.

For over 25 years Buster Bloodvessel has been bringing fun and mayhem in equal measure to stages around the world -- and now it's Blackburn's turn to share in the experience.

Bad Manners aim to make it a Bank Holiday Monday to remember when they play the North Bar and Buster's clearly looking forward to it.

"We love playing smaller, sweaty venues, it's so intimate -- you get a great atmosphere," he said.

"We'll probably play for around an hour fifteen or so -- after that no-one can move!

"When you see Bad Manners play it's like seeing England win the World Cup, it's the same sort of atmosphere.

"I'm not blowing my own trumpet here but people tell me we're the best live band they've ever seen."

Bad Manners were scheduled to play in Blackburn earlier this summer but had to cancel after Buster fell ill.

"I've had a few health problems over the years," he said.

"At one point I didn't think I'd make this tour, but I've been for a health check and I couldn't believe how healthy they say I am when you consider how much I've drunk over the years.

"The problem I have got is a hernia the size of a dinosaur's egg but that's not going to stop me. I'm not in any pain with it.

"I've been to some specialists who want me to lose five stone before they'll do anything and that's not easy with my unhealthy lifestyle!

"But I have got an appointment with another specialist next month."

The Blackburn show is part of a 70-date national tour.

"People say how can you do the same songs night after night and not get bored? You try doing Lip Up Fatty and get bored. I'm probably the happiest man I know.

"I thrive on atmosphere, I eat it up -- that's probably why I'm so big."

With a string of top 10 hits in the Eighties, Bad Manners have a cult following that stretches round the world.

"We still have huge support in Germany and Japan," said Buster.

"If we didn't play there at least once a year there'd be a riot.

"Then in America, that's where our biggest fan base is outside Britain, we've got cult status," he said proudly.

The good news is for fans that the chances are Bad Manners will be back in town.

"We like to go to a town and make everyone happy and then return, building up our fanbase," he said.

"It's all about having a good time, both the band and the audience. We have so much fun on stage it's infectious."

Bad Manners play the North Bar in Blackburn on Monday. A limited number of tickets are still available priced £12, tel 07790 279 557.