THE frontman of a leading Stone Roses tribute band says he is thrilled their idols are reforming.

But Clone Roses singer Gavin Scott says the announcement that Ian Brown and Co are getting back together has also come in one of the “craziest” weeks of the St Helens based group’s young lives.

Both wives of Gavin and bassist Mike Bagshaw are due to give birth this week, meaning the bandmates were somewhat distracted while speculation has raged about a potential Roses reunion.

It has left a tricky week for a nervy Gavin to digest the news that the 90s rock band had buried their differences and will stage hometown shows at Manchester's Heaton Park next summer, plus further dates around the world.

Gavin, 32, says the tribute band, who have kept the Roses’ music alive for the past decade and regularly pack in 1,000 strong audiences for concerts, are delighted by the ‘resurrection’ and are now desperate to get hold of tickets to watch the icons play in the flesh.

Gav, the Citadel’s marketing boss, told the Star: “First and foremost we got together because we are Roses fans. It was so disappointing - the way it all ended for them.

“For us, we only discovered their music at university, which was after they had split. And for many like us – who have never seen the Roses play live – our band has been the place to hear their music live in the past 15 years.

“My first reaction to hearing they were getting back together is – I have got to get a ticket. And I think the reaction out there among the fans symbolises just how much love there is for the Roses.

“It has all gone a bit bonkers on our Twitter and Facebook sites- plenty of people want to support us. Hopefully it will mean more people will love the Roses music and will want to come and watch us.

“We have a gig at the Citadel on November 26 and since all the rumours started sales have been flying out.”

The Clone Roses are made up of Gavin, who takes the role of Ian Brown, his brother Tony Scott (John Squire), Mike Bagshaw (Mani) and drummer Phil Bennett (Reni).

However, with two of the bandmates to become fathers imminently, Gav played down the chances of any Roses related baby names.

He added: “All this has kind of fried our brains. Mike’s missus, Sue, has gone into labour and Karen (Gavin’s wife) is due anytime so it’s hard to take in.”