*
banner

Fulham gatecrash Radio 1

Musical guerilla tactics are proving to be very successful for Fulham Brass.

Fulham Brass
 

Players from Fulham Brass recently caused disruption on the airwaves of Radio 1 after taking part in a special secret musical mission.

Liberty Bell

The quintet was actually unaware why they had been initially asked to come to the Radio 1 studios with the parts to the Sousa march ‘Liberty Bell’.

However, they were soon informed by Jen Grieves, the BBC assistant content producer that they were to be part on an elaborate prank thought up by DJ Greg James to enter the studio of new Radio 1XTRA DJ, Charlie Sloth.

Disruption

A Fulham spokesperson told 4BR: "It soon became clear that the purpose of the job was to disrupt one of the DJs while he was on air. On cue, we were rapidly ushered into the studio to play the first 90 seconds of ‘Liberty Bell’.

The amazed DJ and his guests were not expecting this and were numbed into silence."

Pranks

The impromptu performance was the culmination of a number of disruptive pranks carried out on air during the week, with Greg James figuring that the best of the lot would be to get a brass band to stop his rival DJ in his tracks.

The spokesperson added: "We clearly achieved the objective set for us and have since become the official Greg James Band."

It soon became clear that the purpose of the job was to disrupt one of the DJs while he was on airFulham Brass

Down on one knee

Meanwhile, the band’s appetite for the unusual saw them being asked to perform cheesy romantic music to accompany a gentleman proposing to his girlfriend in full view of the passing public in central London.

Proposal

As the couple strolled lovingly along the Thames Embankment, band members appeared from the crowd playing an arrangement of ‘Love Lifts Us Up Where We Belong’ — at which point the chap got down on one knee and proposed!

With the bemused passers-by enjoying the spectacle (Thankfully she said yes), the band broke into, ‘I Believe I Can Fly’ – at which point everyone clapped and quite a few tears were shed!

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Nationals

Churcher steps down from MD role at Camborne

September 8 • Dr Gareth Churcher has taken the decision to step down as Musical Director at Camborne


Milnrow

Milnrow to replace Tredegar at Brass in Concert

September 8 • Grand Shield champion takes place of Welsh contender at Brass in Concert.


yOUTH

Brass Bands England unable to offer BOPA service from 2027

September 8 • The Department for Education confirms BBE's National Body of Personal Approval will end in April 2027.


walkers

Poetry, brass and recovery...

September 8 • A wonderful joint venture of poetry, brass band music and wonderful countryside will help people at stages of different personal recoveries.


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the 2026 British Open

Tuesday 8 September • Ossett Town Hall, Market Place, Ossett WF5 8BE


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Barnsley Brass

September 6 • We are looking to recruit a Flugel Horn and Back Row Cornet players. We are based in Worsbrough Bridge by the A61 south of Barnsley. S70 5LJ. Rehearsals are Mondays / Thursdays at 8pm in our purpose-built band room..


Enderby Band

September 5 • Championship section band seeking CORNETS (positions negotiable), Eb BASS, and PERCUSSIONISTS to join our committed, hard-working and friendly team, performing a balanced diary of concerts and contests.


Harrogate Band

September 4 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a 1st Baritone and Soprano player to complete our team. Forward thinking and exciting band with a wide range of engagements and contests. Rehearsals are Wednesday 8pm in our own bandroom with great transport links.


Dr. Stephen Arthur Allen

D. Phil. (Oxon) [Ph.D Oxford University], GBSM, LTCL, ABSM, ALCM, Cert. Ed.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd