Culture Club audition new singers

Culture Club topped the charts around the world in the 1980s

Auditions are being held for singers to join Culture Club, with the 1980s pop band planning to re-form and tour without original vocalist Boy George.

Manager Tony Gordon said the group were looking for three or four "young, great singers" to join former band members Jon Moss, Mikey Craig and Phil Pickett.

"We cannot replace George - that's going to be an impossibility," he said.

Mr Gordon added that a TV company was interested in following the new band, with a world tour possible next year.

The new line-up could also record new songs, he said.

"We want to keep the brand but give it an uplift and make it fun - great fun," he said.

"Culture Club music was always joyous. We need that right now - we need a nice, happy band."

Hits

Mr Gordon said there had been an "amazing" amount of media interest in the plan since he posted an internet advertisement for singers.

"It's much more than I expected - I am thrilled by it."

He said he hoped to launch the new-look band at a London party next month.

The move comes days after a US judge criticised Boy George - real name George O'Dowd - for failing to pay a $1,000 (£540) fine or begin five days' community service after falsely reporting a burglary.

A hearing on 26 June will decide whether he broke the terms of his sentence.

Culture Club had a string of hits in the early 1980s, including Karma Chameleon, which topped the UK and US singles charts.