Border Telegraph | News | High school rock appeal

Tuesday, 6th January, 2009

Published: Wednesday, 12th April, 2006 09:51

High school rock appeal

By Border Telegraph Newsroom

TEACHER, leave those kids alone! The High School Rock Apocalypse is coming.

High school pupils from around the Borders are joining together for a special concert in Galashiels at the end of the month.

Twenty bands will line up at the Volunteer Hall on Sunday, April 30, as part of a three-day ‘Almost Famous Weekender’ event.

High schools around the Borders have been recruiting young talent for the event, which begins at 11am.

One of the bands taking part is Selkirk’s Kill The Radio, who play covers of ska punk bands such as Operation Ivy and Rancid, as well as their own material.

Drummer, Guy Patterson, said: “Our music teacher approached us and asked us if we wanted to play, and we said yes.

“It is quite a big thing, and there are loads of bands playing. We have been playing around the Borders for about two years, and the standard of music that I see is quite high.

“The most I have ever played with is about four bands in a night. I have never played with as many as 20 in a day, so it should be good.”

Also playing are Galashiels indie band Sexy Young Assassins.

Drummer, Fraser Brotherstone, said: “It will be good. I am looking forward to it because with all the bands there at once it will be quite a good social event.

“We have played gigs with six bands but nothing on the scale of 20. Every band has their own little group of followers, so I think it will be a good enough turn out.”

But Kelv Norris, who is helping with the event, is not so sure.

He said: “If there aren’t enough advanced ticket sales, then it would be a shame but it would have to be cancelled. I am hoping that the rock public can come out and support it.

“It is about encouraging new youth bands, and it might give people an interest to continue in rock and roll.

“It is a local networking day where people can meet and swap phone numbers and ask questions. It is trying to start something and help and encourage youth.

“If it is their first gig or their last gig, we want to make it a really friendly atmosphere.”

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