YOUNG musicians from Priestley College rocked the House of Commons at one of their recent gigs.
Stoneway – who won a national competition to perform in the Speaker’s Room in Westminster – performed original tracks and covers in front of press and industry experts.
It was a memorable experience for the talented band who also bravely performed Prince’s Purple Rain during the set.
“Our ‘green room’ was where the Queen or royalty stays when they are visiting,” said Danny Smith, who is 18 and from Runcorn.
“The week before we had been playing in a pub in Warrington and then we found ourselves in the House of Commons. Around the walls there were paintings that are almost life-size and the whole place was amazing.”
Stoneway – made up of Steven Fisher, Alex Roberts, Daniel Smith and Merryn Dowson – won the opportunity to perform in a national competition aimed at raising the importance of intellectual property rights and live music.
The fab four, all from Runcorn and students at Priestley College, performed an original track that gives their thoughts about broken promises within the music industry.
It was the presence of senior figures from the music industry that ensured the band shared some nerves before their big performance.
“It felt like a posh living room that was packed out with press and people from the industry,” said Steven Fisher, 18.
“It wasn’t a small room, but everyone was seated right in front of you because it wasn’t really made for gigs.”
Stoneway – who can regularly be seen performing in pubs around Runcorn and Warrington – sent their track to Weaver Vale MP Graham Evans who chose them to represent his constituency in the competition.
As a prize the good friends received Yahama equipment and a trip to Singapore in February where they will also be asked to perform.
During the event they spoke to the lead guitarist of White Snake who complimented their original songs.
“What we took from it were a bunch of business cards including one from somebody at EMI,” said Steven.
“It was a great opportunity to do something like that and be put in front of those people so early in our career.”
