Boyband Busted split up because of the new rock band lead singer Charlie Simpson has formed with Grimsby bassist Dan Haigh.

But since day one we've set out to avoid pulling in 'Busted favours' Fightstar is the new group started by Charlie and Dan alongside two other members - Alex Westaway on vocals and guitar and Omar Abidi on drums.

Dan (24), who was born and grew up in Grimsby, was described by one national newspaper as being Charlie's "kindred spirit".

It is believed the band is to sign a £1-million three-album deal with top record label Sanctuary, which is home to Iron Maiden and Morrisey.

Originally a member of Grimsby band Infliction, Dan learned how to play guitar at the age of nine.

"I've always loved music," he said.

"There was always music when I was young and so I guess that's where my interest really began.

"People who listen to the more uncommon genres of music naturally gravitate together and it was the friendships that formed from being into music that ensured my interest continued. Two other members of Infliction from Grimsby, Sam Taylor and Richard Maw, are largely to blame!"

Dan played in several bands before joining the band after Charlie and Alex met at a party.

When they decided to form a band Alex called in Dan as he knew him from other bands he had been in.

Dan admits the band realises it will have to work extra hard because Charlie is so well-known.

"Charlie's had experience working within the system and so his intuition about things is usually reliable," said Dan. "But since day one we've set out to avoid pulling in 'Busted favours'. We try to approach everything as if we were just any other emerging band and we want to make it clear we're not interested in riding anyone's coat tails.

"However, Charlie is without question the single most talented musician I've ever met.

"His musical ability never ceases to astound me and so on that side of things it's great."

The band played the first night of a UK tour in Warwick on Friday - hours after Busted officially announced it was splitting. The announcement followed days of speculation.

It is believed Charlie plans to stay with Fightstar for at least five years.

"I'm fascinated with the way the media mechanism works in this country," said Dan.

"Hot air cools, and soon the only thing we'll be left with is the music and that's the way it should be. Charlie is going to follow his heart on this one.

"I'm looking forward to touring but playing something in Grimsby would be cool.

"The music and skate scene in Grimsby are great and getting more live music into the town would be awesome."

A bottle was thrown at Charlie as Firestar performed to a 2,000 crowd in Dublin last night.

The former Busted frontman played on, despite being struck by the missile - believed to have been thrown by a devastated fan of the boyband he has effectively split up.

Rave reviews of the gig were posted on the band's website. Charlie was not injured in the incident.