ROCK band manager Jonathan Pardoe was overjoyed when doctors told him an operation to remove a killer brain tumour had been a success.

But within months of getting the all-clear he was battling another potentially fatal illness- meningitis.

Over the next two years the 43-year-old contracted the illness twice more.

Each time he was in intensive care after contracting meningitis. On each occasion his heart stopped and he was on life support until doctors successfully treated the illness. Music man Jonathan Pardoe.

But today the battling survivor is back - and hoping to put his new band The Aliens on the road to stardom.

"You could certainly say I've had more than my share of brushes with death," said an upbeat Jonathan, of The Gilgal, Stourport.

His ordeal began three years ago, when the cause of severe headaches was diagnosed as a brain tumour. He underwent an emergency operation which successfully removed the tumour - but a tiny amount of brain fluid was able to leak out through a tiny hole into his mouth and nose.

"The leak meant infection could get into my brain and that was why I contracted meningitis," he said.

He endured three major scares, all of which saw him clinically "die", as well as a series of corrective operations. One involved cutting away part of his face and the roof of his mouth to gain access to his brain.

"It was an awful time. I have endured horrendous operations and had three years of absolute hell, when I was never sure I would survive.

"I have always tried to look on the bright side and stay positive. My love of music certainly helped me and now I'm back doing what I love."

Prior to his illness Jonathan was managing folk-rock outfit Talisman. His latest venture is with sci-fi theme band The Aliens, which models its image on the film Men in Black.

"They wear the black suits and dark glasses, but with a twist," said Jonathan.

The quartet includes Bewdley bass player Nick Smith, known as Stick, and drummer Tony Chance, from Habberley. The other two members - guitarist Les and vocalist Walter - are from Worcester.

The band appears at a showcase night on November 29 at Stourport Boat Club, with support from Elvis-a-like Rodge. "Some say Elvis was taken away by aliens so we thought it would be a good tie-in," laughed Jonathan.

There will be a prize on the night for the best dressed sci fi girl, while the band is also organising a collection in aid of Kidderminster Hospital.