ROCK music fans can re-live the unlikely story of how Sir Paul McCartney, The Who, Pink Floyd and Queen played Lancaster University thanks to the second edition of a smash hit book.

‘When Rock Went to College: Legends Live at Lancaster University 1969-1985’ has been reprinted with even more pages, classic photographs and tales of music legends performing at the university.

The book is a treasure trove of memories of a time when the university’s Great Hall was an in-demand venue for rock icons.

It has again been compiled by Morecambe music promoter Barry Lucas, who as university entertainments manager was responsible for booking all the above-named legendary acts as well as AC/DC, Blondie, Madness, Tina Turner and many more.

“We never set out originally to bring out a second edition but the response to the first book was so amazing,” said Barry.

“We had so many people contacting us from all over the world wanting copies or sending us their own memories and photos of the gigs, that in the end we had so much new material we simply had to bring out a second book.

“I was pleasantly surprised by how many people in the music business have bought When Rock Went to College. Even Sir Paul McCartney wanted a copy!

“It proves that something special was happening in little old Lancaster at the time and we’re never likely to see anything like that again.”

Barry has been assisted by music historian Paul Tomlinson, who attended many of these gigs during an exciting era for local fans of rock and pop.

The result is a detailed almanac listing every single Lancaster University concert from that golden age, accompanied by set lists, information on band members and images.

Stories related include the time Paul McCartney turned up unannounced to perform with Wings, the tale of Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend bringing food to a Lancaster city centre protest vigil and how Barry tried and failed to convince university bigwigs to cancel important exams because Mick Jagger was desperate for The Rolling Stones to play Lancaster.

New pictures – many supplied by photographer David Stewart – include classic shots of Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, The Jam, Elvis Costello and Motorhead, all regaling The Great Hall stage.

The revised edition is also packed with images of memorabilia from Barry’s private collection including Pink Floyd’s payment cheque for their 1971 Lancaster gig and a letter from university bosses complaining about a particularly raucous show by ‘Leonard Skinhead’ (they meant Lynyrd Skynyrd).

The new revised edition of When Rock Went to College: Legends Live at Lancaster University 1969-1985 is available from Barry Lucas (email barrylbarryl@aol.com) or from Carnegie Publishing, priced £30.