A Lightwater drummer, song-writer and producer has shared his story behind joining 80s pop legends and old school friends BROS on their reunion tour.

Pete Kirtley's initial musical awakening came age 11 when he formed a band with fellow Collingwood College students Craig Logan, twin brothers Matt and Luke Goss and another local musician, Lloyd.

Little did the now 45-year-old know that three of his former bandmates would go on to become pop sensations.

While Pete pursued an award-winning solo career, Luke, Matt and Craig formed the hugely successful band BROS.

But Pete could never have expected what was to happen all those years later, when twins Luke and Matt invited their long-lost drummer to join them on the reunion tour - which will next take the old friends to Sydney, Australia.

Get Surrey caught up with Pete, who spoke warmly of the band's friendship - and recalled the "nerve wracking" moment he took to the stage before 18,000 people at the O2 Arena in London.

Pete shares his story behind the band's friendship and recalls the "nerve wracking" but "amazing" performance in front of 18,000 people at London's o2.

"They were three years older than me," he said. "To be honest, their motivation to bring me into the band was firstly that my dad had loads of musical equipment they could use - and also because they fancied my sister.

"As they were propelled into the limelight with BROS and had an incredibly successful career, I also continued with music as a drummer.

"My band, The Blue, almost made it, [we] signed a record and publishing deal but we didn’t quite get there. That’s when I started writing songs."

While Pete pursued a solo career, three of his old school friends went on to form BROS

Pete went on to become an award-winning song writer and record producer, a glittering career now spanning more than 20 years and boasting six world-wide number ones and 35 top 40 records.

He has stayed in touch with Luke Goss, who invited him to join the band on the reunion tour: "Luke, who has remained a close friend, told me about the shows and asked me if I wanted to join the tour playing percussion," said Pete.

"I said yes, of course, without realising the full scale of what this meant. I haven’t played drums in 24 years and never played percussion so it was quite a challenge to get myself match fit."

Pete joined his old bandmates on tour - including an O2 Arena show

To be united with his old school friends in front of a crowd of 18,000 people at London's O2 was "overwhelming" to say the least, said Pete.

"Let’s face it, most band reunions are in a local pub, or a birthday party in front of friends," he said. "Not at the O2 in front of 18,000 people.

"It was an incredibly overwhelming experience which I’m still processing now to be honest. The last gig I played was 24 years ago in a pub in Brentford in front of 50 people.

"Although I haven’t played in years I’m still in music so that chemistry and connection between musicians was still there.

"It felt both amazing and nerve wracking; a huge buzz and one I’ll never forget."

Pete Kirtley, from Lightwater, joined former school friends Bros on tour

He added: "For the fans, it was the boys performing their hits again to an adoring audience who have grown up listening to them.

"For me, it was my first band playing again after 34 years - at the O2. Without Craig though this time, who is also a great friend still."

Pete will be joining the BROS trio in Sydney, Australia, in November ahead of other international tour dates but for now, has returned "back to reality".

Pete (rear left) performing on the drums with Matt Goss at London's O2 Arena

The musician is busy producing his first feature film - and is undertaking another musical project, "Beta Drone".

However, Pete's journey to solo success has not always been easy: "I endured so much rejection and failure trying to make it as a musician, song writer and producer," he said.

"I took every knock and re-channeled it into determination. I risked so much as well, and at times, put my family through some tough periods."

"I took every knock and re-channeled it into determination," said Pete of his music career

When asked what advice he would give aspiring musicians, he added: "Believe in what you’re doing 1,000% of the time - and always deliver what you’re doing with passion and conviction.

"Being a musician these days is also about networking, social media and interaction. The music itself is only part of the process now. but don’t forget to enjoy it and write honestly."

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