Rik Mayall and Adrian Edmondson (who John knew from Manchester University) were big fans of Gags and were often to be spotted at The Cavalcade in the early days.

Gags were pencilled in to appear in the first episode of The Young Ones TV show in the ‘musical light entertainment’ slot, but as usual the opportunity somehow slipped through their fingers.

John remembers Rik telling him that Homework was a particular tour bus favourite for the Comic Strip when they performed live around the time of its release in 1984.

Brendan recalls another high-profile fan, historian and broadcaster Michael Wood. ‘He used to come and see the band in Didsbury all the time,’ he recounts. ‘At one point he spoke to us about doing a documentary on the life and times of a typical pub rock band. It never happened - I think the BBC must have told him to stick to Greeks and Romans.’