A FORMER Preston rock star is appealing for help to find a lost music video.

Tony Green, 50, from Penwortham, was a founder member and bass guitarist in Hard Cash, one of the area's most popular rock groups in the 1970s.

After a turbulent career, which saw the band on the brink of being signed to a top record label, Tony left the music business.

Now the dad-of-two is hoping to relive his glory days, and is searching for a copy of a film of a 1972 concert at the Preston Guild Hall, featuring local bands including Hard Cash with lead singer, Sam Hill.

"The Guild Hall was full to capacity," said Tony.

"I think the film was made by a band called Bus Country, and their singer Bob Johnson, who was also involved in a band called Bob Johnson and the Bobcats.

"I'm the only one involved who doesn't seem to have seen the film, and if anyone has it I would love to make a copy of it."

In their heyday Hard Cash made a record at a Lancashire studio which became famous for turning down the Beatles. The band were even booked to play at Wembley before splitting up suddenly, leaving Tony's hopes of rock superstardom dashed.

Tony said: "Our drummer came round to see me, and told me the band had split up! We all went our separate ways, the lead singer turned to religion and toured with Cliff Richard. The drummer moved to London and joined a punk band. I heard it was the Cockney Rejects, who were really big."

But the former BAE worker has fond memories of his rock and roll years. He said: "When I was younger the Guild Hall just used to play music for the older generation. We decided to protest by playing a gig on the Flag Market, and got arrested for breach of the peace!

"So the next day we set up on the covered market, which was still being built at the time. It started raining and electricity was racing between the noses of the two singers, so they had to ask the crowd for rubber shoes!"

Now retired Tony hopes to find the visual record of his rock and roll lifestyle to enjoy.

If anyone can help Tony they should ring the Citizen newspaper on 255531.