Now, we have all sung with our favourite rock stars, but usually THEY are on the radio and WE are in the shower. But a few lucky fans of singer Neil Finn are getting the chance for a more intimate form of musical collaboration. The former Crowded House star is letting fans join his backing band as he tours Britain. Sarfraz Manzoor caught up with the tour in Sheffield:

At the moment none of the people in this room know each other. But by the end of tonight they will be performing together as a band with this man, Neil Finn.

Neil Finn is the singer and songwriter behind New Zealand band Crowded House. 'Weather with you' was their biggest hit- a song we'll be hearing again a little later.

Neil's solo now and to cement his already solid reputation as rock music's man of the people he's come up with a rather novel idea: why not get his fans to be his band? An ad went out asking for volunteers and 600 tapes came in.

For a lucky few it's a chance to give UP the day job.

Dom Patterson, Doctor, 23:
"The days are long and boring so yes, this is a bit of an escape for me and it is a chance to play at being a rock star for a day I guess."

David Murray teacher, 31:
"You had to give reasons for doing it. And I said one was I had been in a band for 16 years and nothing had ever happened -- this might make it seem worthwhile. And the second reason was that it would be a great story to tell the children."

Neil Finn has in the past played with members of Radiohead, Pearl Jam and The Smiths, but he says there is a special thrill to performing with a bunch of complete amateurs.

Neil Finn:
"It's an on the edge of your seats thing that I like about it the most really. And the fact that when I turn around on stage there is somebody for whom this is really a peak moment and they are giving it every ounce of effort and concentration they can. And you just can't buy that."

Neil Finn gives some encouragement to the amateur musicians:
"Thank you for agreeing to take part in this mad experiment. What I am going to do downstairs is just get you up individually, really briefly, for a couple of minutes, and just hear what you do, and what songs you are most likely to play."

Neil Finn & band after the show

In a few hours the band will be playing in front of nearly a thousand paying fans. So it's not a good time to forget the words. The band play for an hour and no-one from the audience asks for their money back. Tomorrow, another group of strangers will get a chance to play at being rock stars. And these guys will return reluctantly to their blackboards, their stethoscopes and their computer screens.

Don't dream it's over? For this lot it is!