Musical Youth march back ... in their thirties

Musical Youth are on the comeback trail - 21 years after topping the charts with their debut single.

The reggae band, whose ages ranged from 11 to 16 when they first found fame, are hoping for a second shot at the big time.

They have signed up for the 80s revival Here and Now Tour along with stars like Dead Or Alive, Kool And The Gang and T'Pau, and have a greatest hits album in the pipeline.

The original fivesome are now just a duo - Dennis Seaton, 35, and 33-year-old Michael Grant.

Founder member Patrick Waite died of a rare heart condition in 1993 after serving time in prison for robbery after the band's fortunes faded.

His brother, Freddie Waite Junior, is now a virtual recluse who lives with his mother. And Michael Grant's brother, Kelvin, tried to forge a new musical career with little success.

The Birmingham Band burst on to the scene with Pass The Dutchie, which sold more than four million records and were nominated for a Grammy award - but split two years later after sales dropped.

Speaking at the Here And Now Tour launch, Dennis said he was all for modern child stars like S Club Juniors but warned them to beware the pitfalls of fame, adding: "I just hope their managers look to Musical Youth and learn from our mistakes."

After leaving the band in the 80s, Dennis tried his hand at a solo career but ended up working in the car hire business.

He has spent the last few years performing in pubs and clubs before finally persuading Michael to reform the band with him.