HOME-GROWN superstars are few and far between but East Lancashire has contributed no fewer than TWO members to chart-topping band Black Grape.

Ged Lynch and Martin Slattery have spoken exclusively to Pulse, explaining how they let the more madcap members of the band get on with the high-jinks while they concentrate on their first love . . . playing music.

Ged, who lives in Accrington, has been a drummer and percussion programmer for many years and first found fame with The Ruthless Rap Assassins.

Amazingly, the hectic Black Grape tour has still left him with time to work on albums for an array of big stars.

In recent months he has drummed on imminent releases for Michael Hutchence, David Sylvian and Electronic, which features New Order's Barney Sumner and legendary Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr. "It's been pretty hectic," said Ged. "People get to know your name and they like what they hear. It's the same as any other scene, but on a bigger scale."

The last two years have been like a whirlwind for Ged, who spent some time working on his own material and as a drum teacher.

"It's been busy, what with touring Japan and stuff," he said.

But behind the glamour and glitz is the real-life monotony of touring.

It's not very rock and roll but Ged revealed: "I am a prolific reader. That's how I pass the time.

"Shaun and Bez are just cool lads. There are no worries. But we don't see each other between shows.

"You might spend 23 hours travelling and one hour playing. It is the playing that I love. As long as I can survive playing music, I'll be happy."

Martin Slattery agrees. At 22, he is playing to huge crowds in places beyond his wildest dreams and likes to do at least a little sightseeing. After spending two-years freelancing with jazz-blues bands, he was introduced to Shaun Ryder by Ged. Martin said: "I have known Ged for years. He got the gig with Shaun and suggested a bit of saxophone on one of the tunes. I got down there and did it. Then they asked whether I could play keyboards and I said yes, although I was no expert.

"A few months later their manager rang and asked if I would like to go on tour.

Martin, who went to Hollins County High School, at Baxenden, comes from a family of keen musicians.

His first love is jazz and he still finds time to play in bands with friends in Manchester to crowds of around 200 people.

But being in Black Grape has meant facing throngs of up to 20,000.

He said: "The type of music that I personally like would never attract those crowds. I always get a little bit nervous. But I realise just how lucky I am. Unlike Ged, I never set out to be part of a number one pop group. It has just kind of happened for me." Martin has left Oswaldtwistle to live in Hebden Bridge. The next step for Black Grape is to make it in North America.

Ged said: "We'll see what happens. If Black Grape take off over there, we'll be with them."

Black Grape play the Blackpool Empress Ballroom on March 30.

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