A BURNLEY-born singer is aiming for rock superstardom after releasing his first solo rock album.

David Readman is no stranger to fame as lead singer of German-based outfit Pink Cream 69.

But the former Towneley pupil, 37, is hoping his solo effort will propel him in to the A-list.

David's stepdad Steve Butterfield said his stepson always held a passion for music and started playing in Burnley bands Sixmyth and Splatterplunk when he was a teenager.

He became a regular on the Burnley club circuit after leaving school aged 15 and could often be seen at various clubs and Burnley Mechanics. Although singing is his main focus he also plays both the guitar and keyboard.

Coming from a musical family with his mother, Jenny, an opera singer and Grandmo-ther a pianist, David decided to pursue his passion by studying music at Nelson and Colne College.

Mr Butterfield, 57, said: "Like his mother, music is just something he has always had in him and is something he has loved getting involved in from a very young age."

In June 1994, David's big break came when he answered an advert in the musical press for a new lead singer for Pink Cream 69. Their then-lead singer, Andi Deris, had left the band to join Helloween.

David sent in an audition tape, flew to Germany and successfully auditioned.

With David as lead singer Pink Cream 69 went on to record seven successful albums and toured Europe, South America and Japan.

And although he says he loves playing with the outfit his ultimate dream had always been to eventually release a solo album. After months of hard work songwriting and recording in the studio, David, who lives in Karlsruhe, Germany, completed his album late last month.

Steve said: "We are extremely proud of David. This was something he has always wanted to do and now he has achieved his ambition."