US interest in teen band

An alternative rock band made up of pupils from the Minster School, Southwell, has attracted interest from record companies after producing their first demo CD.

The Wicked End will play at the Admiral Rodney, Southwell, on Sunday.

The band is singer Bradley Dear (15) of Halam Road, Southwell, lead guitarist Will Oldham (14) of Nottingham Road, Southwell, drummer Tristan Hill (15) of Bleasby, rhythm guitarist Callum Benson (14) of Church Street, Morton, and bass guitarist Elliot Checkley (13) of Wands Close, Southwell.

Bradley’s father, Mr Jeremy Dear, said the band was progressing well in the music industry.

He said: “They have been in a studio and recorded a CD to send out to record companies, which has received some interest.

“There was a record label in America who were particularly keen on them but because it was in America, and with the boys being the age they are, we wanted them to give it a bit longer before they made a decision so they could see if this is what they really wanted.”

Mr Dear said the band worked in a recording studio with Mr Tony Foster, guitarist with the band Spiritualized.

Mr Dear said: “He said he could not believe how talented they were for young guys and that they were very capable of making a career out of music.”

Mr Dear said the boys, most of whom are in their first year of GCSEs, were coping well with balancing rehearsals and their school work.

Bands Opium Toad, Code 68 and Solution Against will also be playing at the gig in the back room of the Admiral Rodney between 5pm and 7pm. Entry is £3.

More details about the band is at www.myspace.com/tweuk

e.hambidge@newarkadvertiser.co.uk