Two years after travelling to New Zealand and experiencing a horrific in-flight injury resulting in his eardrum being torn open, Foden’s principal trombonist John Barber recently retraced his steps to play with the Dalewool Band at the recent New Zealand National Championships.

Impressive

John helped the Auckland band to second place in the main contest, but any disappointment was short lived as the band went onto secure the Scenic Hotels Band of the Year Entertainment title the following day at the impressive Bruce Mason Hall.

Fantastic account

John told 4BR: "Dalewool gave a fantastic account of themselves over both contests under the direction of Howard Taylor. By the time I arrived a few days before the contest it was clear he had worked them to within an inch of their lives! It was an honour to play with such a great band and such a lovely group of people."

Troubled return

However, on the return flight home, lightening almost struck twice for the trom star as unbelievably another traumatic incident unfolded.

Two hours from landing in Heathrow an unsettled passenger started threatening passengers on board his flight.

A mixture of emotions ranging from fear to anger to down right incredulity courses through you when it becomes clear that there is very little you can do should this disturbed individual decide to do something destructiveJohn Barber

Alarming

John recalled: "To say this was alarming is an understatement. A mixture of emotions ranging from fear to anger to down right incredulity courses through you when it becomes clear that there is very little you can do should this disturbed individual decide to do something destructive."

Happy ending

However, there was a happy ending: "The air crew on the flight were fantastic, restraining the passenger and ensuring no harm came to any others on the flight," John added with a undisguised sense of relief.

"Upon arrival into the UK the gentleman was taken off the flight for a friendly chat with her majesty’s finest – his vocal torrent seeming to become a little parched at this juncture."

Norway and Open

All of this turmoil has not put John off his travels though as he heads to Norway this week to hook up with Brasshoppers at the ‘Slida Jazz’ festival in Haugasund before returning to start preparations for the British Open with Alan Withington and Foden’s later this month.