A GENESIS tribute band which has been given the nod of approval from Phil Collins returns to Bury next week.

Mama, the UK's 'all era' tribute act, play at The Met on Saturday, November 28.

The band, featuring singer John Wilkinson, keyboard player John Comish, guitarist Mark Comish, drummer James Cooper and bassist David Jones, will perform classics and lesser known album tracks from all the band's formations.

Formed four years ago, all members are staunch fans of Genesis and perform pieces from every era — from the early Peter Gabriel Genesis albums, through the Phil Collins era in the '70s and '80s, and right up to the final Genesis studio album, We Can't Dance.

Singer John said: "Playing in a Genesis tribute band is a dream come true for any fan. Their music just speaks to me on so many levels — I love what they do. Genesis were what me and all my mates were listening to growing up. I wasn't a music fan until I heard them.

"People who come to our gigs don't come to see us, they come to hear Genesis. They pay good money and we want it to be as good as we possibly can make it."

John has been a fan of Genesis since 1977 when he first heard A Trick Of The Tail.

"We are a tribute act, but I prefer the term 'copy band' because we are literally playing as they do. Genesis fans will tell you when you have got a chord wrong."

Members of Genesis have themselves endorsed Mama.

John added: "I know that three members of Genesis know about us, and we've had the blessing from their manager. I met Phil back in 2004 before we formed Mama. He is very supportive of all the tribute band. I've also met Mike Rutherford and Steve Hackett. It was a thrill to meet all of them."

To book tickets: visit themet.biz or call 0161 761 2216.