The beat goes on for forgotten 80s rockers

5:56pm Friday 16th May 2008

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Like most middle-aged men James Hannington abandoned his dreams of becoming a rock god when real life got in the way.

Now the IT engineer from Wallington is easing himself back on to the drumstools and preparing to open for Eric Clapton in front of 40,000 screaming fans.

“To play on the same bill as Eric Clapton in Hyde Park would be an amazing opportunity. Once you pass 40 you think your dreams have passed you by.”"

Drummer James Hannington

His reformed band Daniel Takes a Train have beaten thousands of entrants to make the final of a nationwide competition to find Britain's best "lost" group.

Mature musicians were encouraged to follow the recent reunions of classic bands such as the Police, Genesis and Led Zeppelin for the Virgin Radio One Last Dream competition.

A support slot at the Hard Rock Calling event on June 28, headlined by Eric Clapton and Sheryl Crow, awaits the winner of a public vote.

James, 43, said: "The first I knew about the band reuniting was when was I heard our singer live on the Christian O'Connell breakfast show asking for me to get in touch.

"To play on the same bill as Eric Clapton in Hyde Park would be an amazing opportunity. Once you pass 40 you think your dreams have passed you by."

Daniel Takes a Train were named after a film about the Hungarian uprising, which featured at the 1983 Cannes Film Festival.

They achieved minor fame by gatecrashing the 1988 Brit Awards, having followed Meatloaf and his entourage into the auditorium.

Further attention came when they targetted the world record for playing a gig at all 24 Circle Line stations. In true rock'n'roll fashion, they completed eight before "buggering off" to the pub.

The band are unlikely to monopolise local votes as they seek another tilt at stardom. Among the three other finalists are the Steve Boyce Band whose drummer, 37-year-old builder Gary Hunsley, is from Sutton.