Antony Genn might be a rock star who can enjoy the special privileges that status brings.

But there are no more special privileges for him in the Directors' Box at Bramall Lane.

Guitarist Genn, who founded The Hours, was born in Sheffield and has been an ardent United supporter all his life,

And he let his passion for his favourite team get the better of him last time he sat in the seats alongside the dignitaries.

Genn said: "It was a couple of seasons ago and my friend Sean Bean the actor had two spare tickets for the derby game against Wednesday.

"I took them off him and found myself sat with the directors.

"Before kick-off all the home fans started chanting 'stand up if you hate Wednesday'. So I did! To me it was a command, not a request.

"I was waving my arms around like a lunatic!

"Roy Hattersley, the Sheffield MP and a big Wednesday fan, was nearby and less than impressed. It wasn't the sort of behaviour associated with that part of the ground.

"People were glaring at me and telling me to sit down. I haven't been back since!"

Genn became a regular fan from the moment he could walk and counts Keith Edwards and Tony Currie among his favourite all-time players.

He said: "My grandad had a butchers shop opposite the kop and my dad was born just 10 yards from Bramall Lane.

"There was never any danger of me supporting that other team in Sheffield. We have members of the family who do but I don't talk to them unless I have to!

"Keith Edwards was my hero then Tony Currie. Currie is the club's greatest ever player by a mile in my opinion.

"My first real memories are of the Dave Bassett era, but I should have sued him for neck injuries because I spent so much time watching the ball in the air!"

Genn hit the big time with Sheffield-based band Pulp and is godfather to the son of the former lead singer Jarvis Cocker.

He moved to London in 1995 after "failing to return from a party".

Following stints working with Elastica, Robbie Williams and ex-Clash front man Joe Strummer, Genn became a highly sought after writer and producer on the alternative music scene.

Genn was also the musical director and soundtrack producer for the film Mike Bassett - England Manager.

Genn retains a major affection for the Blades previous manager Neil Warnock, who guided United to the Premier League for the 2006/07 season.

The rocker-writer added: "I remember Warnock telling me once he used to sit in his car outside the training ground staring at the club's badge and saying to himself 'I'm the manager of this club'.

"There are highs and lows, but being a Blades' fan at the moment is both frustrating and annoying."

Genn played with and against former Blades stars Dane Whitehouse and Mitch Ward when he was growing up before a chronic knee problem forced him to pack in the game.

He added: "I've got a new single out called the Big Black Hole, which is where I'll put Kevin Blackwell and the team if we don't get promoted!

"I hope we do but I don't think we will.

"Mind you, having watched my side get stuffed at various London grounds in the Premiership it might not be a bad thing.

"I went to all the London games and didn't see us score a goal - let alone win a game."

The Hours new single Big Black Hole is released Monday April 6, for more information on the band see www.thehours.co.uk