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Rocketman Steve inspires song

Sam Lister
27/ 2/2003

FORGET Lennon, Hendrix and Bowie - Denton duo Bynatone have shunned the rock and roll hall of fame in favour of space man Steve Bennett.

Electro pop pairing Rachel Elwell and Alan Lewinsky were so impressed with the Dukinfield scientist's bid to launch into space they have written a song about him.

Starchaser, named after Steve's rocket project, is a space-sounding track made using an Omega computer and a theremin.

It's the band's debut single and came out on the Arden City College-sponsored record label Raw Fish.

Alan, aged 26, said: "I read about him in the Advertiser a couple of years ago and was just amazed by what he's doing.

"I admire his enthusiasm. He will either look like an absolute fool or he will be a hero and will be on the front cover of every newspaper.

"He is a man following his dreams and that's very inspiring. I would love to enter the competition on his website to win a place on the launch, but Rachel won't let me because she doesn't think I will come back down in one piece."

Bynatone got together in May last year and have played 15 gigs in Manchester. They have even been asked to sign a copy of Starchaser for one of their fans. But their hero has yet to hear the track.

Steve said: "I'm quite keen to hear this song. It's nice to be an inspiration, quite flattering, but I will have to wait until I hear it before I give an opinion. I would encourage everyone to live their dream. "

Hear Bynatone perform Starchaser live at Club Suicide, Rockinghams, Manchester, this Saturday from 9pm.