*
banner

Big Melt screen debut for Unite

Unite the Union Band make their big screen debut in critically acclaimed film and music partnership with pop star Jarvis Cocker.

Unite The Big Melt
 

Unite the Union (City of Sheffield) Band has continued its partnership with pop star Jarvis Cocker with the big screen debut of his film ‘The Big Melt’ in Sheffield.

Soundtrack

The film featured the live soundtrack from the critically acclaimed sell out concert at the Crucible Theatre in June this year.

Commissioned by BBC Storyville and BBC North in Association with the BFI using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, ‘The Big Melt’ takes a century of film from the BFI archives, under film director Martin Wallace and combines it with the talents of Jarvis Cocker and his friends in the Sheffield music scene to forge a new musical experience.

Soul of a nation

A spokesperson told 4BR: "It aims to bring a music and film journey into the soul of a nation, bringing to life the ghosts of our past, taking us into the belly of the furnaces and showing how our souls have been stamped from the mighty presses of our industrial heritage.

It's a new kind of heavy metal music with pictures. You will never look at a fork in the same way again."

The brass band, split into two, enter from both side doors of the theatre, bleeding from stereo into thundering mono as they meet on stage floorDaniel Dylan Wray, The Independent newspaper

Applause

Unite the Union Brass Band was one of the highlights of the show, receiving thunderous applause as they finished their set.

Daniel Dylan Wray writing for ‘The Independent’ newspaper commented: "The brass band, split into two, enter from both side doors of the theatre, bleeding from stereo into thundering mono as they meet on stage floor."

He went on to say: "This was a remarkable marriage of music, film and British history."

BBC release

The film will be shown on the BBC in January 2014, and there are hopes to perform the live show again in other parts of the country in the summer.

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    


Bathgate

Report & Result: 2026 Fife Charities Contest

September 27 • Bathgate claims the honours in Kirkcaldy to head on a journey to the Spring Festival.


Regionals

Bands take first look at Regional test-pieces

September 26 • The five works to test the bands at the 2027 Regional Championships have now been announced.


Brassed OFF

Extra tickets released for Brassed Off at Albert Hall

September 26 • There is a very limited number of extra tickets that have now been released for Grimethorpe's 'Brassed Off -Live' appearance at the Royal Albert Hall on Friday


Tredegar

Sterling welcomes Tredegar baritones to Artist roster

September 26 • A new partnership between Sterling Instruments and Tredegar offers joint musical support and development,


Dobcross Silver Band -

Sunday 27 September • Dobcross Band and Social Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Saddleworth Oldham OL3 5AD


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the National Finals

Tuesday 29 September • Batley Town Hall WF17 5DA


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Consort Brass Quintet

Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Barnsley Brass

September 25 • We are looking to recruit a Flugel Horn and Back Row Cornet players We are based in Worsbrough Bridge by the A61 south of Barnsley. S70 5LJ Rehearsals are Mondays / Thursdays at 8pm in our purpose-built band room.


East London Brass

September 24 • Percussion - East London Brass are seeking an enthusiastic percussionist to join our friendly, ambitious band. Great music, regular rehearsals and a welcoming atmosphere. Interested? Get in touch for more details!


Epping Forest Band

September 23 • Euphonium and solo horn wanted to join our friendly sociable 2nd section band. Based in Essex with close links to the M11 and the underground central line. Instrument's provided of required


Dr. Stephen Arthur Allen

D. Phil. (Oxon) [Ph.D Oxford University], GBSM, LTCL, ABSM, ALCM, Cert. Ed.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd