“Grimm Up North” (September 30th and October 1st 2017) is a benefit event which will be held in support of Diabetes UK and to help to raise funds for fellow musician (and also a Diabetic) Steve Grimmett. Steve fronts the band Grim Reaper and following the onset of an aggressive infection whilst touring in South America earlier this year, needed to undergo emergency treatment overseas. The treatment resulted in the amputation of his lower leg. To give some insight into what has driven bands to travel from far and wide (or in some cases… from just down the road) to play in support of a fellow musician, here are some comments from a small handful of the bands:
TYSONDOG: Originally hailing from the North-East back in the 1980’s, Tysondog took a break (of nearly twenty years!), but are definitely back and barking! Bass player Kev Wynn explained “When something like this happens, it really brings home how lucky we are to still be playing after all these years. The main aim (in organising Grimm Up North) is to help poor Steve who has not only lost a leg but has been left in a lot of debt due to his insurance company not paying for his medical bills”
SISTER ROSE: Another band hailing from the 1980’s, the Bury-based Rockers are now enjoying a comeback. Since returning to the scene a couple of years ago, the band are now recording a second album. Guitarist Craig Fearnley (Clanger to most of us!), is one of the co-organisers of Grimm Up North. Bassist Si Warrington commented “To help out a fellow ‘brother in Rock’ means a great deal to us. It’s a terrible thing that’s happened to Steve and we are happy to help and do whatever we can do to help him and his family”
DAMNATION’S HAMMER: Formed as an homage to the Avant-Garde scene of the 1980’s, this band are opening the main stage on SATURDAY. The band’s debut album Disciples of the Hex (2013) received strong reviews and they have been described as “a band to be reckoned with” by Metal Temple. They have recently returned from supporting Sacred Reich who played in London and Glasgow as a part of their European tour. Vocalist and Guitarist Tim Preston explained “We’ve always been fans of Steve’s voice and his performances with Grim Reaper and Onslaught. To be
asked to play this benefit gig for him is really an honour and a privilege”
SKULLWINX: This “epic” Heavy Metal band are travelling from Tegernsee in Germany. All the members are aged between 20 and 22 years of age and their visit to the UK (to play in London and then at Grimm Up North) will be only their second time playing outside of Germany. They are a dedicated, talented and passionate band who are determined to make it. Their studio albums and EP were received positively around the world. Speaking for the band, Drummer Lennart Hammerer explained “Steve is one of our heroes! His pure passion for music is inspiring and motivates young bands to carry on, come what may. Nothing can stop you as long as you want to. Steve is the best example of this right now”
TROYEN: Originally active in the early 1980’s, the band re-formed in 2014. They released the aptly-named “Finish What You Started” in 2015 and “Storm Child” in August 2017. Their early days saw them gigging in the UK and Europe supporting Spider, Girlschool, Rhabstallion and Diamond Head as well as enjoying a 1982 European support tour with Nightwing. With gigs and festivals booked in the UK and overseas well into 2018, Troyen are back on the scene! Drummer and original member Jeff Baddley commented “This is a great cause. Steve (Grimmett) is an icon of the NWOBHM scene and it’s an honour to be part of this event”.
SPARTAN WARRIOR: Hailed as “a classic 1980’s NWOBHM band now getting the fame they deserve” following their re-formation in 2008, Spartan Warrior are enjoying immense popularity on the UK and European festival scene and have played alongside Metal legends such as Praying Mantis, Diamond Head, Tygers of Pan Tang, Medieval Steel and Raven. A recently signed deal will see their 4th album “Hell To Pay” released in late 2017 or early 2018. Frontman David Wilkinson said “We feel privileged to be asked to play here. This festival is a celebration of NWOBHM featuring many of our dearest friends. It is a true gathering of our community to help one of our own”
GanG: Hailing from France and playing “old school Heavy Metal”, GanG are ready to bring the noise! Speaking of his excitement about being asked to play, Frontman Bill Gang commented “We are often described as the most British band coming from France. We hope you’ll taste the “Froggies” at Grimm Up North, ‘cos we’re ready to blast the stage in the name of the mighty Steve Grimmett!!!” Their visit to Grimm Up North is just one of the stops on their “Froggied Metal Attack” 2016-2017 tour
Full Line-Up and Ticket Information
Saturday Line-up: Damnation’s Hammer, Troyen, Amethyst, Eternal Breath, GanG, Burning, Lovell’s Blade, Spartan Warrior, Chaos Asylum, Tysondog, Mandora, Sister Rose, Last Joker, Salem, Nomad, Savage and Oliver Dawson’s Saxon.
Sunday Line-up: S.Y.Z, Streamer, Toledo Steel, The Deep, Skullwinx, Weapon UK, Filth Hounds,
Desolation Angels, Damaj, Avenger, Neverworld, Tytan, Ascalon, Seventh Son and Holocaust.
Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/grimm-up-north-rock-metal-festival-tickets-32987295890 (CHILDREN WELCOME)
If you are unable attend or would simply just prefer to donate, you can do so at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/grimmupnorthrock
Check out the event on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/grimmupnorthfest/
VENUE INFORMATION: The venue is fully accessible for those with disabilities and children of all ages are welcome to attend if they are accompanied by an adult. Childrens’ tickets are FREE. Parking is available at various locations adjacent to the venue and the bus and Metrolink stations are a very short walk away as are local taxi ranks.
Event PR: Down the Rabbit Hole Ltd https://www.downtherabbitholepr.co.uk or email to info@downtherabbitholepr.co.uk
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