The voice behind one of the biggest pop songs of the 1970s will make a debut with a difference in Bradford.

Paul Da Vinci sang Sugar Baby Love, which was a massive number one hit for The Rubettes in 1974.

But he never appeared with the group for contractual reasons.

Instead, Alan Williams was the familiar face of The Rubettes as they notched up a string of other hits over the next three years, including Juke Box Jive, Tonight and I Can Do It. But now Da Vinci will take his bow as their frontman after they were reformed for a European tour.

He will make his live debut with The Rubettes at Pennington's Variety Club in Manningham Lane, Bradford, on Saturday as a warm-up concert for the tour.

Keyboard player Bill Hurd, who was also in the original line-up, said: "Paul did the recording of Sugar Baby Love at the time but he couldn't join the band. We've been working all these years without him. We've now got a new record deal and a European tour and there's a lot of interest."

The Rubettes' line-up on Saturday will feature guitarist Tony Thorpe - another original member - as well as newcomers Alex Bines on drums and Scott Whitley on bass. The group was famous for its vivid matching costumes and berets and falsetto singing.

Garth Cawood, who promotes bands at Pennington's - formerly Maestro's - said he was thrilled that Paul Da Vinci would be making his debut with The Rubettes in Bradford.

Da Vinci enjoyed a solo hit of his own with a song called Your Baby Ain't Your Baby Any More while Tony Thorpe was also the man behind The Firm, who had hits with Arthur Daley' ('E's Alright) and Star Trekkin'.

Admission is £2 before 10.30pm and £4 after 10.30pm. For more information ring (01274) 304455.

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