*
banner

4BR Friday Interview with Chris Smith

We catch up with Chris Smith from the great brass ensemble Old Dirty Brasstards as they look forward to performing the first of four new shows encompassing the hits of Britpop and 80s revival to Pop punk and Beyonce...

Brasstards
  The group will be performing in Manchester in September

Can't see the audio player below? Visit soundcloud.com/4barsrest

4BR Editor Iwan Fox catches up with Chris Smith, one of the founders of the Old Dirty Brasstards group.

They have just celebrated their ninth anniversary with news that they will be producing four new shows to take on the road over the coming year thanks to a successful Arts Council England Culture Recovery Fund award.

It will see them produce shows that cover Britpop and 80s revival to Pop punk and Beyonce.

Manchester

They are taking their shows in the road — and start off in Manchester at the Manchester Academy on 23rd September with 'Old Dirty Brasstards present Disco 2021: A Britpop Brass Odyssey'.

As Chris tells Iwan — its all come about to reach out to a new audience — one that because of the history of the group certainly includes lots of brass banders.

So if you are ready to be transported back to the heady days of Oasis, Pulp, Blur, Suede of the 'Cool Britannia' years then there are even special discounted brass band tickets to enjoy it.

Find out more

To find out more about the ticket link for brass players discount:
https://www.manchesteracademy.net/order/gateway/13359160

www.olddirtybrasstards.co.uk

www.twistednoisetroupe.com

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    


Bedworth

Midlands Area confirm 2027 judges

November 2 • The adjudication teams for the 2027 Midlands Regional Championships have been announced.


Marsden

Marsden able to continue to honour lost lives

November 1 • Marsden Silver Prize Band's historic bass drum has been restored from flood damage to ensure the sacrifice of those lost in conflict is never forgotten,


Eikanger

Eikanger continues link with youth

November 1 • The Siddis champion has been continuing its inspirational links with youth bands and organisations in its Bergen region.


Cornelian Parker

Perpetual Canon seen but not heard in Wellington

November 1 • Cornelia Parker's celebrated art installation is currently on display in New Zealand.


Dobcross Silver Band - Remembrance Concert

Sunday 8 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver President's Concert

Friday 27 November • St George's Church, St Johns Avenue, Rugby CV22 5HR


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Newstead Brass - The Snowman - Live

Saturday 5 December • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West, Forest Town. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

November 2 • Under the leadership of Musical Director, Jack Fisher, the band requires a percussionist. With an expanding schedule of events, including our sell-out themed concerts, the band is based in our own, purpose built, band hall in Bilton.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

November 2 • Under the leadership of Musical Director, Jack Fisher, the band requires an Eb bass player. With an expanding schedule of events, including our sell-out themed concerts, the band is based in our own, purpose built, band hall in Bilton.


Cambrian Brass

November 1 • We are always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining our friendly, supportive band, whether you are returning to banding, looking for a new challenge, or have moved to Aberystwyth for university.


John Durrant

MA LLCM TD CertEd (Dist)
Conductor, Band Trainer, Composer, Trumpet and Cornet Soloist, Arranger, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd