*
banner

And the award for the best band gig in the world this year goes to...

Your will hard pressed to find anyone topping the reception gained by the recent performances of Easington Colliery Band...

EasingtonColliery Band
  Now that is some brass band audience...

Easington Colliery Band is still basking in the well-deserved critical spotlight following their contribution in supporting singer Sam Fender on his recent sell out 'People Watching' tour.

Olympic Stadium and St James Park

It saw the band perform at the Olympic Stadium in London, in front of 82,500 ecstatic fans, as well as 150,000 ecstatic fans over three nights at St. James Park, Newcastle.

The amazing live performance experience follows the recording they made with the North Shields singer for his album in 2023.

This was subsequently released in February this year, reached Number 1 in the pop album charts and became of the most financially successful releases of the year.

On Sam's request the band was asked to keep their live performances secret.

That in turn made for a huge emotional response from the audiences when they were introduced to be part of the renditions of 'Remember My Name' — which was written by Sam in memory of his grandparents, and especially his grandmother who suffered with dementia.

Amazing experience

Speaking about the experience, Easington Colliery Band Chairperson, Jonathan Collins told 4BR: "To say this has been an amazing experience is a real understatement.

It has been incredible working with Sam over two years and we hope it has helped to enhance the profile of brass banding and how effectively it can be used in portraying such emotion to the wider musical world."

That in turn made for a huge emotional response from the audiences when they were introduced to be part of the renditions of 'Remember My Name'4BR

Spine tingling

He added: "The reception we had was spine tingling. We can only thank Sam and especially Sandy Smith who orchestrated the music and led us on stage for all this has brought us."

Enjoy

You can enjoy the performance of 'Remember My Name'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWUwIV4mpGI

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    


NYBBNI

4BR Thursday interview with Les Neish

February 19 • We speak to the Besson artist as he prepares to take the baton for the first rehearsal meeting of the National Youth Brass Band of Northern Ireland.


Linz

Linz European line-ups confirmed

February 18 • 30 bands will take to the stage at the Brucknerhaus in Linz to try and claim the various European titles on offer.


Nationals

New website for National Championships

February 18 • A new website will bring you all you need to know about the National Championships of Great Britain.


John Ward

Ward takes baton for Friary Area challenge

February 18 • John Ward returns to the conducting rostrum in Stevenage to lead former champion Friary Brass in their Area challenge.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

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


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • TUNED PERCUSSION PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • Bb BASS PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


Crewe Brass

February 18 • We are looking for a CORNET player (position negotiable) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Andrew White

MA(Ed Man), B Ed (Hons), BBCM, ADNCB, PGCE, Cert Ed
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator & Educationist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd