AS a youngster, Joe Fletcher's bedroom would reverberate with the strains of the renowned Irish rock band Thin Lizzy.

But it probably never occurred to him at the time that he would in later life be sharing a stage with the music legends, who were responsible for such hits as The Boys Are Back In Town and Whiskey In The Jar.

Fast forward and Joe - who teaches drumming at 7th Wave Rehearsal Studios in Worcester's Sherriff Street - finds himself in that lucky position.

The opportunity came about as the 20-year-old of Hornyold Road, Malvern, was taught as a teenager to play drums by 7th Wave owner Kevin Davies. After snapping him up to teach drums at the studios about two years ago, Midlands-based act Gypsy Pistoleros contacted Kevin last November saying they were looking for a drummer and asking him to suggest someone. And so it was that Joe joined the group, who specialise in Flamenco rock, and has since been on tour with them to Spain with Steve Adlow of Guns 'n' Roses.

Now Gypsy Pistoleros are gearing themselves up for shows supporting Thin Lizzy on their European tour, which this summer could see them play to audiences of 10,000 a night.

Joe, who formed his previous band Push Me Under with fellow pupils from Malvern's Dyson Perrins CE High School, said: "It was pretty hectic joining the Pistoleros because they needed a drummer quickly and I had to learn to play their stuff pretty fast but it went really well.

"The Thin Lizzy dates should be amazing because I've been listening to them for ages so it'll be nice to meet them. It's a bit of a dream come true with them at shows of this size."

Gypsy Pistoleros - whose members include Worcester residents and singer Lee Jones and guitarist Craig Smith - formed out of the ashes of the metal band White Trash, which stormed the music scene during the 80s. After touring with the likes of bands such as the Ramones and Motorhead in Spain, they split about 10 years ago.

However, they were tempted out of oblivion last year by a Spanish record deal and as Gipsy Pistoleros have been building up a huge following in Spain.

Now, the band have also set their sights on conquering the UK, with their first single - House of 1,000 Dolls - planned for release in July and their first UK show in almost a year at Evolution in Lowesmoor, Worcester, on Friday, May 12.

Joe added: "Our music is quite Spanish-influenced so they've really taken to us to heart in Spain. We've now just got to work out how we're going to present ourselves over here because we're not sure how we'll go down with the English crowds!"

Anyone wanting to find out more about 7th Wave Rehearsal Studios can contact Kevin Davis on 01905 617177.