It’s not every day we get to witness the birth of a new band locally, but when it happens, it’s one of those special moments as we get to see the raw beginnings of a band taking their first steps into the realm of music… make or break.
Four local young lads recently stepped onto the stage at Newton Aycliffe Food Festival launching their band, Casbah. But before all this, right at the very start they played at an open mic night at the Surtees Arms in Ferryhill Station, where they had a great night – so much so, that they were booked for a gig on the spot!
The band was formed just a matter of months ago by bassist Oliver Gibson (17) who is a music student at Bishop Auckland College. The lead singer of the band is the very talented vocalist from Spennymoor, Matt Gamsby (20). Matt is also studying music but at a higher level at New College Durham. Oliver and Matt are joined by Lucas McDougal (19) on guitar/vocals and Dylan Swinney (19) on drums. The band have been working hard fine tuning a strong set list that will have broad appeal with many well known and popular songs from Led Zeppelin and Radiohead to the Foo Fighters and beyond.
It’s all or nothing for these lads. They have been playing gigs in and around the area and have already gained a bit of attention. Last month they were at the Ayclive Festival as a standby band, which was a great experience for them. They also got a chance to play at the NE Volume Bar in Stockton.
The band will soon be returning to the Surtees, on Saturday 17th August from 8:30pm for another great night.
A spokesperson for the band said: “We really hope to see as many people there as possible at the Surtees to support us and to make it an even greater night! As they say; miss it, miss out!”
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
