FANS of all ages were delighted to meet the former frontman of ‘70s rock ‘n’ roll band Showaddywaddy.

Dave Bartram, who has managed the group since 1984, was at Waterstone’s in Deansgate, Bolton, on Saturday signing copies of his new book.

The Boys of Summer: A Rock 'n' Roll Nightmare with Showaddywaddy is his account of 10 weeks spent playing the UK's bucket and spade resorts in 2005, which he said strained every emotion to breaking point.

He said: “I suppose you could say the days of the hero-worship were long gone. It was the venues and some of the facilities. Some of the stages were the size of postage stamps. It was not what we were familiar with.”

The band, whose hits include Three Steps to Heaven, Heartbeat, Under the Moon of Love, When, You Got What It Takes and Dancin' Party, played a sold-out gig at The Albert Halls, Bolton, in January, and will return to the venue on June 21.

Dave, who quit performing with the band in 2011, is now working on his second book, which tells stories from his 40 years in the music business.

First in the queue to meet him were Tracy Ward, aged 45 and her mum Maureen Thompson, aged 65,.

Maureen said: “My husband and myself were Waddy fans years ago. We had all the records and my daughter was brought up on them.”

And Sharples School pupil Nicola Bennett, aged 14, was also in the queue to meet the singer turned author.

The music fan said: “I’ve played the guitar since I was seven. I’d like to be in a rock band.”