To his friends, Ian Eardley is a music-loving family man - but to his fans he is Richie Sambora, the Bon Jovi guitarist and rock god.

It' s one of life' s strange concepts, grown men imitating rock stars, yet there are enough dedicated copy-cats doing the rounds to fill the next 10 series of Stars in Their Eyes.

The tribute culture is big business and is no longer limited to late-great stars like Karen Carpenter and Jim Morrison (whose tributes are, incidentally, appearing in Worthing this week).

Worthing Theatres' summer season has already seen tributes to Pink Floyd, U2 and The Eagles. There is even a faux Phil Collins.

But up there at the top are By Jovi, who are proud to be among the originals.

"When we first started out there weren't many tribute acts, maybe three or four," says Ian. "There has been a massive boom recently."

By Jovi have been together for about 11 years and Ian says they've played as many gigs as the band themselves.

In fact, they' ve thrown themselves into their act with such force, they've been known to forget who are the real deal and who are the imitators.

"I don't like Bon Jovi when I hear them on the radio - it sounds too much like us.

We've learnt the songs and we've played them so many times, it sort of sounds like our own material - it can feel like they're impersonating us."

The band try to change their repertoire to keeps things interesting for fans, but there are two tracks they must perform.

"After the second or third song we get people shouting 'Living on a Prayer' ," Ian says. "I think if we didn't play that, and Amazing, we'd be lynched."

There can be no better endorsement for a tribute act then praise from the originals and Richie Sambora has, apparently, given his approval.

However, Ian has yet to meet the band. Rumour has it they turned up at one of By Jovi's gigs but left before introducing themselves.

Their hopes of meeting Bon Jovi were dashed a second time when they had been scheduled to appear on a quiz show together - Jon Bon Jovi stormed off set and the idea was scrapped. Such is rock 'n' roll.

"I get the impression Richie likes us but Jon must have been in a bad mood," says Ian.

With a regular crowd of dedicated fans and offers of cheap cowboy hats (I just walk into the shop and it's 'another hat for you?' ) it could be easy for tribute egos to balloon as fast as the original stars' .

"There is a Queen band and before a gig the singer makes all the band leave the room, puts up Freddie Mercury posters, lights candles and meditates.

"Our guy just says 'have a beer and let's put on a good rock 'n' roll show'."

Starts 8pm, tickets cost £11-£13. Call 01903 206206.