THE FORMER lead singer with sixties stars Manfred Mann can't wait to return to Preston for his latest gig.

Mike D'Abo, who sang with the group from 1966 to 1969, will in Preston on Saturday, March 23, as part of the 'Reelinandarockin' supergroup, performing at the Guild Hall on Lancaster Road.

He will be joined on stage by Gerry Marsden (from Gerry and the Pacemakers), Mike Pender (The Searchers), Brian Poole (Brian Poole and the Tremeloes), Dave Berry (The Cruisers) and the Nolans.

Mike, who wrote and produced the hit Handbags and Gladrags for Rod Stewart, said: "I've got many happy memories of Preston. I must have played in Preston eight times in 10 years.

"My wife, who was then my girlfriend came up to meet me at Preston railway station when I was playing once and I handed her a bouquet of flowers."

The sixties superstars will be singing 53 classic tracks over two-and-a-half hours. As well as their own smash hits, the stars will be recreating the songs that influenced them as youngsters.

Mike said: "We were all brought up on rock 'n' roll like Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard and The Big Bopper.

"What a lot of people don't realise is that a lot of the hits from the sixties were influenced by the fifties.

"They will be familiar with every song they hear. All the rock 'n' roll of the fifties has become timeless now.

Mike, who now lives in the Cotswolds, in Gloucestershire, will be at the Guild Hall from 7.30pm on March 23. For tickets and information call the box office on 258858.