The sound of one of the world's most popular bands will fill Colne Muni with One Night of Queen on May 17. We spoke to former Stars In Their Eyes winner Gary Mullen, lead singer in the show.

WHAT LED YOU TO AUDITION FOR STARS IN THEIR EYES, THE MOVE THAT LAUNCHED YOUR CAREER?

My mum and wife filled in the application and sent it away without my knowledge. The first I knew of it was when I got a call from the show asking me to go down and audition. I have always been a big Queen fan and would sing Queen's songs in my local karaoke bar. People used to say I sounded like Freddie Mercury, but that was just my own voice. I didn't try to sound like him.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR LIFE BEFORE ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN.

Before One Night of Queen I was a salesman, selling computers over the phone at Compaq. I was newly married and had a two-year-old son. I had always wanted to be a singer but it was drummed into me that I had to get a "proper" job. My family has grown since One Night of Queen began. I now have three kids and I think they will all end up being performers too.

WHY DO YOU THINK FREDDIE MERCURY WAS SUCH A WELL-LOVED PERFORMER?

Freddie was the perfect performer. Not only was he a super-talented singer and musician, he was charming, an extrovert and above all, interesting. He had such a different and uplifting outlook on life that people were drawn to him as a celebrity as well as a performer.

WHAT'S YOUR ALL-TIME FAVOURITE QUEEN SONG?

It changes daily depending on how I'm feeling. Today it's It's a Kind of Magic. I just love singing that one. Yesterday it was Crazy Little Thing Called Love, as I was watching some of the footage from Live Aid. Freddie's performance that day was amazing.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE "FREDDIE" OUTFIT?

I think it's the classic Wembley outfit - the white trousers and yellow jacket. It's an iconic outfit. Although I do love the flamboyant silver lurex outfit he wore in the '70's. I was thinking of getting it made but it's a bit too clingy, if you know what I mean.

ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN IS KNOWN AS ONE OF THE WORLD'S BEST QUEEN TRIBUTE ACTS - WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE SO GOOD?

Well, above all I think you have to do it passionately and convincingly. What I mean by that is that you have to be a true fan.

I play the show as if I'm watching it. I think about what I would want to see if I was watching it. I would want the people on stage to believe in what they're doing and to truly enjoy it - and that's what I do.

HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A SHOW? WATCHING OLD QUEEN CONCERTS ON TV?

I do still watch Queen concerts, but not to prepare for a show. I don't need to study the moves any more so I simply watch them for entertainment. Before the show I do my vocal warm-up and some stretches to warm up my muscles (Freddie's trademark moves are quite a strain on the body). Then I spend about 10 minutes sitting quietly and getting into the right frame of mind. I have to work myself up mentally so that when I hit the stage my adrenaline is pumping and I can draw the audience into the show as quickly as possible.

WHY SHOULD PEOPLE COME TO SEE YOUR GIG? WHAT CAN THEY EXPECT?

If you're a Queen fan you will be surrounded by a lot of like-minded people who want to celebrate Queen's music. The show is high-energy. We say the seats are just for window dressing - people sing , dance, clap and have a great time listening to great music.

IF YOU COULD SPEAK TO FREDDIE MERCURY WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO HIM?

I'd ask him what he thought of our show and thank him for inspiring me so much. His whole outlook on life - "onwards and upwards, the bigger the better" - has had an impact on my own. I try to keep this in mind when things don't go so well - after all "the show must go on."

One Night of Queen featuring Gary Mullen and The Works is at Colne Muni on Thursday, May 17. Details from the box office on 01282 661234.