Resplendent in a monogrammed suit and fedora, Matt Goss talks grass, sky, gratitude and 'spiritual gangsters'

At the height of 'Bros Mania' in the late eighties twins Matt and Luke Goss, and their former bandmate Craig Logan, were surrounded by hordes of screaming girls as they topped the charts as Bros with hits including When Will I Be Famous, I Owe You Nothing and Drop The Boy. And their devoted fans were known as 'Brosettes' with their uniforms of ripped jeans, bandanas and Grolsch bottle tops on their chunky shoes.

But today there is no screaming, just plenty of affectionate hugs all round, as singer-songwriter Matt signs copies of his new solo album The Beautiful Unknown at HMV in the Manchester Arndale Centre. Hundreds of fans are queueing to meet their idol on the mezzanine floor with some arriving at 10am to patiently secure their place for the signing at 2pm - and they're rewarded with cuddles from the sharply-dressed star who is resplendent in a monogrammed suit and brown fedora hat.

One fan, 47-year-old Mandy Gallagher, has travelled all the way from Drogheda in County Louth, Ireland to see Matt with her 25-year-old daughter Tamara as a Mother's Day gift, and her face lights up as he emerges from backstage with a wave for the waiting crowd.

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While she was stricken with coronavirus kindly Matt FaceTimed Mandy to give her a boost.

"I have waited three years to be able to see him," she tells us.

"I was a big fan from the beginning with the ripped jeans and bottle tops.

"And I wouldn't have got through being poorly with Covid without him."

Carol Scotland, 49, from Newcastle, has brought the pop legend a gift of her homemade shortbread.

"I've known Matt for years and he's one of the most genuine people