Pete takes his place in Rock's hall of fame

Pete, an original member of Elvis Costello's backing band The Attractions, lived with his parents in South Way before moving to Los Angeles were he has worked with artists including Sheryl Crow, Bonnie Raitt and Suzanne Vega.

The star studded Californian lifestyle is a long way from Pete's early days as drummer when he played for a number of local groups in front of the toughest and most notorious local audience - the Newhaven dockers.

His dad Philip, of East Street, thought it was 'about time' his son had been recognised for his contribution to rock. He said: 'The Hall of Fame people were paying tribute to a lot of British bands from the post punk period and it was only natural that Elvis Costello and the Attractions were there.

'We were very pleased for him. It is always nice to have someone pay tribute.'

At a glittering ceremony in New York, Pete was honoured with his fellow Attractions and members of AC/DC, The Clash, The Police and The Righteous Brothers.

Pete hooked up with Elvis Costello last year as part of his new backing band called The Imposters. A new album was recorded and a tour is planned for this year.

He also played at the prestigious Grammy Awards in the USA where he teamed up with Bruce Springsteen and Elvis Costello for a musical tribute to Joe Strummer of The Clash who died recently.

Philip said Pete called regularly and always visited Seaford when he was on tour in Europe. But he was in no hurry to turn his back on his Californian lifestyle, which he shares with his wife Judy and their 18-year-old daughter, Tennessee.

Philip said: 'When I was talking to him a few days ago we were sitting here shivering and they were sitting by their pool.

'They lead a very colourful life but they still stay together as a family.'