*
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    


Money

Did brass bands really receive £31 million?

March 19 • Arts Council England is reported to have paid out over £31 million to bands in the last three years, but the figures may not be all that they appear to be...


NYBBGB

Ticket demand high for NYBBGB Easter showcases

March 19 • If you want to hear the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain in action this Easter the you had better be quick about getting a ticket...


Gala Theatre

Durham focus for North of England Area contenders

March 19 • 42 bands will take to the stage in Durham to try and claim their places at London and York later in the year.


Stevanage

Bands get ready for London & SC Area challenges

March 19 • Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre will host 76 bands battling for National Finals qualification this weekend.


Regent Hall Concerts - Slide Effect Trombone Quartet

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


Regent Hall Concerts - Welsh Guards Band Septet

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


Enderby Band - Around the World in 80 Minutes

Friday 20 March • Wycliffe Rooms, George St, Lutterworth LE17 4ED


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Longridge Band - Spring Concert

Saturday 21 March • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Tintwistle Band

March 18 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a 2nd euphonium and 2nd baritone player to help complete the team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Tintwistle Band

March 18 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a Soprano and front row cornet players to help complete the team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 15 • We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester. Following our 4th place at the North West regionals, we are looking for a SOLO CORNET player (position negotiable). We rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.


John Durrant

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


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd