The Outsiders

Published 10th Mar 2010 - The Holybrook Site

The Outsiders

Kaiser Chiefs and The Pigeon Detectives fine-tuned their acts behind its sound-proofed doors.

Now The Outsiders – a band whose members all have learning difficulties – are preparing for their first gig by practising in the famous Old Chapel Studios in Holbeck.

After months of rehearsals the band is ready to perform at Seven art space in Chapel Allerton on Friday, March 12. They will also play at the Carriageworks Theatre on Friday March 26.

The 10-piece group was put together after 40 musicians and singers auditioned at Host Media Centre in Chapeltown, Leeds, last December.

Singers Leanne Benson, Derek Flesher, Andrew Walsh, Graham Smith and Daniel Newton made it through. They are backed by guitar player Robert Davies, bass guitarist Bruno Mason, drummer Matthew Barker, saxophonist John Gledhill and percussionist Stephen Mayhew. Andrew, who lives in Chapeltown, said: "I love the band and I've really enjoyed being part of it and I want to keep going. I'm feeling all right about the shows and looking forward to them. My friends and family are coming and I'm looking forward to them seeing me perform."

The Outsiders was the idea of Hunslet-based charity Connect in the North, which is led by people with learning difficulties. It was funded by a £23,960 grant from the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education.

Leading the band is Liz Leach, who trained at Leeds College of Music for 10 years, with help from performance coach Sharon Horsfall and Lanre Phillip who plays the keyboard and sings.

Liz, a Director of Happy Associates, said: "It was our final rehearsal last Saturday so everyone's quite nervous. But we've paid for session musicians to coach the band and some will be there on the first night as well. They're all enjoying themselves and we've been talking about being famous and they all have their sights set quite high."

As for the band's name, Liz added: "I suppose it could signify that people have felt that attitude or what's happened to them in society as a whole."

Tickets are £6 and are available from www.seven leeds.co.uk or www.carriage workstheatre.org.uk