A FORMER Barney musician’s online locked down and loaded performances that helped to raise £15,000 for NHS charities during the pandemic has seen him “headhunted” by a North East cover band, The Moobs.
And now James Brown is bringing his new bandmates to Barnard Castle to perform as part of a showcase gig in December.
Mr Brown, who was born and brought up in the town, has been a musician for the past 22 years, performing at a variety of venues in the north east.
It was his online performances in the Locked Down and Loaded sessions, that attracted an online audience of thousands that brought him to the attention of the established cover band and the invitation to become their new lead singer.
He said: “Having played the music circuit around Newcastle over the years I have gained contacts and friends in the music industry.
“It was after the lockdown and loaded fundraiser that a friend, Michael, who is the pianist in the Moobs, got in touch.”
The six-piece band, which has a big sound and four-way harmony vocals, have played on big stages for years in festivals and large clubs, playing a variety of covers from U2 through to Kasabian.
Mr Brown added: “He explained their lead singer, David Mole, was hanging up his boots due to family and life commitments and wanted me to be involved.
“I met Ged Mole, who is one of the main guitarists and co-founder of the band, to have a chat and break the ice. I felt right at home and looking forward to the first rehearsal.
“They are a well-established band, with each member a master of their music, and that makes it really special for me being lead singer.”
Since he joined band members Ged Mole, Graeme McCulla, Colin Harding, Phil Bell and Michael Mcnally in August, they have been in demand with their events diary filled until next year.
Mr Brown said: “South Tyneside is where most of the lads are from so lots of gigs are up there, but we had a gap in the diary just before Christmas and I just wanted to play my home town as I know we would go down a blast in Barney.
“The event I’ve created is a full night of bands starting with local support acts, who I know are fantastic, to make the night a success.”
The Christmas showcase event at Glaxo Sports and Social Club on Saturday, December 11, will see The Moobs headline with support from local bands The Waynes and Geriatrics and the Pacemakers.
Since he announced the showcase event tickets, which cost £10 and are available by contacting 0797 5500 695, have been selling well and Mr Brown hopes it will be a sell-out.
