*
banner

Dobson to get the snip

The most famous dreadlocks in the banding world are to be cut back to their roots — all for a great charity close to composer Simon Dobson's heart.

Dobson
 

Fresh from a great weekend at the 2010 RNCM Festival of Brass, where he was lucky enough to hear some wonderful performances of his music, composer Simon Dobson has decided on a momentous personal decision.

Cultervation

After years of cultervation and loving hair care products, Simon is set to have his famous dreadlocks snipped back to their roots.

Simon told 4BR: "I'm going to deprive the brass band movement of my mighty dreadlocks upon my return from the Norwegian Nationals in approximatley three weeks time!"

Simon is not doing this just for a new trendy boyish look however, but to raise money for a charity close to his heart.

OCD

He added: "As someone who has a diagnosed OCD suffer in my family I have seen how debilitating the disease is and how completely misunderstood this and many other mental illnesses can be. It is important to me to help the charity OCD-UK as much as possible."

He has certainly done that, and at Brass in Concert last year his march 'Lock Horns/Rage on' which was a personal take on the problems associated with the illness was one of the highlights of the contest.

It is important to me to help the charity OCD-UK as much as possibleSimon Dobson

Help

So if you want to help a great cause and rid the brass band movement of one of the most infamous hairdos in the world, then go to:
www.justgiving.com/dreadlessdobson

4BR will be posting the evidence of his new short back and sides look as soon as he has had the dreaded snip!

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


A4 Quartet

A4 Brass Quartet set for start of London recital series

October 28 • The award winning A4 Brass Quartet will start new collaboration with National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and St Martin-in-the-Fields in London this Friday.


Invercargill

Cosmic challenge at New Zealand Championships

October 28 • The test pieces for the 2027 New Zealand National Championships have been announced — led by 'The Cosmographic Mystery' by Ingebjørg Vilhelmsen.


Flowers

Flowers mark Euro triumph with special presentations

October 28 • The European Champion has marked its memorable victory in Linz with special commemorative awards to its players.


Whit Friday

Uppermill warning of Whit Friday last chord

October 28 • The organisers of the Uppermill Whit Friday contest are asking for urgent volunteer help to continue 120 years of history.


Regent Hall Concerts - Cliff Hardie Big Band

Thursday 29 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 30 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Saturday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The KNDS Fairey Band

Saturday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 November • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Olney Brass

October 27 • We are a friendly and committed THIRD SECTION band looking for: - CORNETS (Front & Back Row) - SOLO HORN - Eb BASS Engagements and concerts in the Olney/Milton Keynes area. Rehearsals in Milton Keynes MK15 (5 mins from J14 of M1) on Tuesdays 7.45-9.45.


St John's Band (Mossley)

October 25 • After a brilliant 1st place at Rochdale Contest, we are looking for an Eb BASS player to join our friendly 4th section band based in Mossley, Tameside.


St John's Band (Mossley)

October 25 • After a brilliant 1st place at Rochdale Contest, we are looking for a Bb BASS player to join our friendly 4th section band based in Mossley, Tameside.


Ronnie MacNiven

MMus GRSM LRAM
Trombonist, composer, conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd