*
banner

Boycott stumped by PolySteel

Cricket legend Geoffrey Boycott has been stumped by his lack of brass band knowledge it seems...

pOLYsTEEL
 

Geoffrey Boycott may know a thing or two about cricket, but he was stumped over hearing about the name of the PolySteel Band.

Regarded as one of England's finest batsmen ever to have played the game, Geoffrey Boycott thought he was being wound up on BBC Radio Fivelive Sports Extra on hearing the name of the Yeovil champions, PolySteel Brass Band.

Brass Bands for 20:20

The Yorkshireman, well known for his outspoken views on cricket, was speaking on BBC's iconic cricket programme, Test Match Special on Friday afternoon, where commentary was taking place on England verses New Zealand. Listener's were invited to email in about the kind of musical entertainment they would like to see at next year's 20:20 World Cup that is taking place in England.

Talking about his love of music in general, Boycott brought up the subject of brass bands. 'I'd like to see brass bands at the 20:20,' said Geoffrey, before adding, '...there are some well known brass bands up in Yorkshire such as Black Dyke, Brighouse and Rastrick and Grimethorpe'.

Entertaining

The former England cricketer's mention of Yorkshire bands soon led to the e-mails coming in including a suggestion to involve '...one of the most entertaining bands around' — the Polysteel Band.

Boycott thought the mention of the name of PolySteel Brass Band was a complete wind up, and he hinted that as there was the word 'steel' in the title, it had to be a steel band not a brass band4BR

Wind up?

Test Match Special is well known for talking about everything in life, whilst giving its ball-by-ball coverage of international cricket matches, and for the banter between the commentators and Boycott thought the mention of the name of PolySteel Brass Band was a complete wind up, and he hinted that as there was the word 'steel' in the title, it had to be a steel band not a brass band.

Whilst play continued, the BBC's cricket correspondent, Jonathan Agnew declared his delight after receiving an email from a gentleman named David Morgan about PolySteel and the band being sponsored, leaving Boycott to suggest further that it was from one of Jonathan's friends or relatives.

Apology

The explanation that there was indeed a band by the name of PolySteel led to Jonathan Agnew concluding his twenty minute commentary spot by saying '...you're going to have to apologise Geoffrey as here is the proof about the name'.

Geoffrey was a touch sheepish in discovering that the PolySteel Band did exist and quickly went very quiet.

A case of what's in a name for the Yorkshireman.

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    


Peter Moore

Saturday morning Proms spotlight on Moore

August 29 • Peter Moore will be the featured soloist in Gunther Schuller's trombone concerto 'Eine kleine Posaunenmusik' in a mid-morning Proms performance.


British Open

Sit back and don't miss the British Open action

August 29 • If you can't make it to Symphony Hall next Saturday, then you can always sit back and enjoy it all on the Wobplay platform.


Brass Monkeys

Podcast: The Brass Monkeys — Episode 13

August 29 • Two of the three brass monkeys chat about the recent Welsh National Eisteddfod and other current North Wales brass band related items.


Adams

Europe's rising euph star gains bespoke Adams support

August 29 • Bernardas Butkus has become one of Adams Musical Instruments 'Rising Star' artists.


Cheltenham Silver Band - Brass (and percussion) and Beer

Friday 29 August • St. Barnabas Church Hall, Orchard Way, Cheltenham, GL51 7JY GL51 7JY


Dobcross Silver Band - Yorkshire Imperial Band

Sunday 31 August • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Hathersage Band

August 28 • BASS TROMBONE. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making, play a wide variety of music and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Hathersage Band

August 28 • FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making, play a wide variety of music and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Chinnor Silver

August 26 • Our COMMUNITY BAND would love players to join us at our next rehearsal on Monday 1st at 11am in our own bandroom.. It's just an extra chance for a friendly blow with cake,coffee and good company.. Does not affect allegiance to your main band


Craig Roberts

BA (Hons), MA
Conductor / Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd