The Gospel According to St John

Gospel singers are top rockers

The Gospel According to John have taken the top prize in Staffordshire Performing Arts' Staffordshire Rocks competition. 

The band, from Westwood High School in Leek, beat off stiff competition to be crowned Top of the Rocks in the annual competition, supported by the Friends of Staffordshire's Young Musicians and Marshall Amplifiers.

A total of 10 bands competed in the final, which took place at the Gatehouse Theatre on June 26.

All the bands had been put through their paces in a series of regional finals held throughout the county.  The Gospel According to John were deemed worthy winners by the five judges, due to their dynamic performance, musicianship and stage-presence.

The band have won themselves a slot on stage at the National Rock and Pop Festival, held at the NEC on July 12.  They also have the chance to appear on BBC Radio Stoke's popular SUBculture programme. 

Two runners up, Out in the Crowd from Cheslyn Hay High School, and The Metrognome from Weston Road High School, each won £50 worth of music vouchers.  A number of 'spot' prizes were also awarded, for outstanding performances and noteworthy performers.

County Councillor Terry Dix, Chairman of Staffordshire County Council, said:  "It's great to see the sheer diversity of talent in Staffordshire, from classical to rock.  These musicians wrote and performed their own songs, which is phenomenal.  I strongly feel that any kind of musical talent should be encouraged, and am really proud that this county can produce the quality of talent we have seen this evening."

Judge Phil Barber said of the winning band:  "They have a lovely and very distinctive style.  The mix of instruments on stage, from the guitar to the glockenspiel, was fabulous, and each member looked like they thoroughly enjoyed the performance.  They truly are deserving winners."

Page Last Modified: 02/07/2008 10:08:14

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