But last night's Guild Hall performance was special in more ways than one for a Preston couple.

Ray and Kath Sutton, from Cop Lane, Penwortham, were reunited with singer Andy Bell who supported the couple with kind words and sympathy as they waited for a flight to New York in 2005. They were revisiting the children's camp their son had worked at before a horrific 30ft fall from a building led to his death. Bell, 43, also phoned them personally to invite them to a USA Erasure concert.

They were so grateful and were desperate to meet and thank the popsters on their trip to Lancashire - and their dream came true last night.

They met Andy and synth maestro Vince Clarke backstage and told them about progress with charity Sutty's Shooting Stars, set up in memory of Carl.

Ray said: "When we met Andy the first time he wished us all the luck in the world. He was so kind. We were going to visit a nature trail Carl helped create and it was our 30th wedding anniversary.

"We don't have the best luck in the world so these gestures are appreciated."

Kath added: "They were kind and chatty - very genuine.

"The fact they had time to sit down and chat meant so much."

Vince Clarke, who listened intently as the couple explained how Carl died, said: "It makes us really grateful to know our music is helping people in some ways.

"We hear many tragic stories and everything that happens impacts on our music in some way. Recently I had a son, and Andy had a major relationship change."

Andy added: "It's not just about making money. In the end that's superficial."

Erasure never fail to thrill their Lancashire audiences - although Andy Bell was notably less flamboyant than usual. This failed to dampen spirits as the duo incited the enthusiastic fans with crowd pleasers like Love to Hate You, A Little Respect and encore Stop.

They also tested a few of their newer numbers Fly Away, Breathe, and Sunday Girl on punters.

The duo keep returning to Preston because they have a "good relationship" with the audience here.

Clarke said: "We know people in Preston come to enjoy themselves!"

Stef Hall

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Reader review
Went to the Erasure gig on Wednesday. It was superb! I enjoy going to the Guild Hall as Preston is such a friendly venue. The cleaning lady was smashing as we queued all day. Also nice to have a bit of banter with the ladies on the doors in the Guild Hall. Isn't Preston brilliant!
Debra Cassar - Handforth, Wilmslow

Me and a friend came to visit Preston to see Erasure and what a fantastic time we had, just a laugh all the time. Preston is a fantastic place to visit, people are so friendly and the pubs and clubs are brilliant. The Erasure concert was absolutely superb, atmosphere amazing and Vince and Andy mind blowing. We met two girls at the concert and they were fantastic and we even went clubbing with them later. Wow! What a great two days in Preston.
Darren Mitchell, Leeds