Prestwick battle of the bands showcases young talent

Aug 13 2010 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

A MUSIC-daft duo are bidding to relaunch live entertainment for youngsters.

Lee Brady and Claire Gibson are teaming up to give young bands a chance at stardom.

And they reckon the Prestwick music scene is in need of livening up – with a little help from some new talent.

The town’s musical revival will be launched at the Space Place Youth Centre with a battle of the bands contest.

And music man Lee believes this is the chance for younger bands to finally shine.

He said: “There’s so much talent around the music scene, particularly in Prestwick, but the problem is getting places to play.

“If you’re a younger band it’s very difficult to get gigs in pubs because of the age issue.

“That’s why the Space Place is perfect, but sadly it’s fallen by the wayside for live music since it opened.”

Lee, who is a member of the very first band to appear at the Space Place, has fond memories of getting his big break.

Now he wants to give others the chance at performing in front of passionate music fans in Prestwick.

Lee, 22, explained: “There’s a huge desire for this kind of music night in the town and younger bands need somewhere to showcase their talent.

“Claire, who helps run the Space Place, is in a band herself and has lots of experience of putting on show, and she knows all about the importance of getting nights like this on.

“The bottom line is that Prestwick needs somewhere like this for younger bands to go and I reckon this will be a huge success which can become a regular thing.”

The first gig, scheduled for this Sunday, will see bands travel from as far afield as Girvan to line up on stage.

A line-up which includes The Risk, Shift One, The Huskies, Alex Duncan, Jumping Flash, Separate Reality and The Peacekeepers will rock the youth centre on the night and winners will be decided by audience vote.

There will also be a special set from Burns Festival star Little Fire, who will host the show.

Tickets are priced £3 and are available on the door. Show starts at 7pm.