A DALE band which folded during the pandemic is making a return with an exciting 80s night.
Making Plans was a five-piece group made up largely of members of Starthforth’s Euphoria Choir in 2018.
Keyboard player Nigel Fletcher said: “John Bentley, Kev Allen and I decided to form a band with Stefan Fletcher. We had choir leader Amy Pervis as singer. Then we did a mix of 80s, 90s and noughties music.
“I think John came up with the idea [for the band name] from XTC’s Making Plans For Nigel.”
The band played at a number of venues across the dale, including Mickleton Village Hall, and was a popular draw at Staindrop’s annual beer and music festival.
Ms Pervis left the group because of time constraints and Rosie Bradford, already well-known for her performances in the area, signed up as its lead singer.
Sadly, Ms Pervis was later killed in a car accident.
The band split partly because of the pandemic and it wasn’t until last autumn when Mr Fletcher was working with 14-year-old singer Teesdale School pupil Florence Backes on a separate music project, that the idea to reform emerged.
With the same musicians – Nigel Fletcher on keyboard, John Bentley on guitar, Kev Allen on bass and Stefan Fletcher on drums – the band now features Florence on vocals.
Ms Backes, who came to singing through her interest in musical theatre, said she was looking forward to performing her first gig.
She added: “It is really cool. As it gets closer the excitement is turning to nerves, but I think it will be a blast.”
Making New Plans rehearse each Thursday evening, and inspired by the sound track of the hit TV show Stranger Things, focusses almost exclusively on hits from the 80s.
Their repertoire now includes Bad Love, by Eric Clapton, Madness’ It Must Be Love, Eurythmics’ Sweet Dreams, Don’t Leave Me This Way, by the Communards, and Tears For Fears’ Mad World, among others.
Making New Plans makes its debut at Mickleton Village Hall during an 80s night on Saturday, October 22, at 7.30pm. The evening includes a raffle and an 80s quiz. There is an option to dress up in 80s fashion. Tickets cost £8 with under-12s admitted for £5.
Book by calling 07859 786681 or email flettab@gmail.com.
