Band of the Year champions back on stage

The annual contest, hosted by the DT and Real Time Live, took place last month and now winning bands Somewhat Unprepared, Ben Miles and GTR are set to play a follow-up gig on Friday. April 11.

Blues maestro Ben Miles, who picked up second place in the competition, said: “I had a great time at Band Of The Year and I was really blown away by the quality of acts over the three nights.

“I thought it would be great to do a follow-up event.

“I’m really happy to be working with such a great team with the guys at Real Time Live - they always put on a great show and it’s a really superb venue, and I think the line-up for this show is one of the best I’ve ever been a part of.”

Eric Robinson, bassist for alternative rock band GTR, which claimed third place, added: “It was the first competition we’ve ever entered and although we’ve played live gigs before it was the first time we had to think hard about our overall performance on stage. We’re really looking forward to being back at Real Time and to be playing with Ben and Somewhat Unprepared again.”

The contest - which has been going strong in Chesterfield for almost 30 years - also saw storming performances from finalists Fly on Byrd, Fly on, Blakshine and Fierce Morgan.

This year for the first time, Derbyshire Times joined forces with Real Time Live to host the event at the venue, on Marsden Street,

Drummer Michael White from winning band Somewhat Unprepared said: “Winning was the biggest buzz we have ever experienced, knowing that someone is prepared to reward us for all the hard work we have put into Somewhat Unprepared. It was a great night and we can’t wait for the next one.”

To find out more see ‘Derbyshire Times Band Of The Year Winner’s Show’ on Facebook.