*
banner

Big Melt screen debut for Unite

Unite the Union Band make their big screen debut in critically acclaimed film and music partnership with pop star Jarvis Cocker.

Unite The Big Melt
 

Unite the Union (City of Sheffield) Band has continued its partnership with pop star Jarvis Cocker with the big screen debut of his film ‘The Big Melt’ in Sheffield.

Soundtrack

The film featured the live soundtrack from the critically acclaimed sell out concert at the Crucible Theatre in June this year.

Commissioned by BBC Storyville and BBC North in Association with the BFI using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, ‘The Big Melt’ takes a century of film from the BFI archives, under film director Martin Wallace and combines it with the talents of Jarvis Cocker and his friends in the Sheffield music scene to forge a new musical experience.

Soul of a nation

A spokesperson told 4BR: "It aims to bring a music and film journey into the soul of a nation, bringing to life the ghosts of our past, taking us into the belly of the furnaces and showing how our souls have been stamped from the mighty presses of our industrial heritage.

It's a new kind of heavy metal music with pictures. You will never look at a fork in the same way again."

The brass band, split into two, enter from both side doors of the theatre, bleeding from stereo into thundering mono as they meet on stage floorDaniel Dylan Wray, The Independent newspaper

Applause

Unite the Union Brass Band was one of the highlights of the show, receiving thunderous applause as they finished their set.

Daniel Dylan Wray writing for ‘The Independent’ newspaper commented: "The brass band, split into two, enter from both side doors of the theatre, bleeding from stereo into thundering mono as they meet on stage floor."

He went on to say: "This was a remarkable marriage of music, film and British history."

BBC release

The film will be shown on the BBC in January 2014, and there are hopes to perform the live show again in other parts of the country in the summer.

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    


Jan Kroon

New Dutch National works to be revealed

February 25 • The works to be used at the 2026 Dutch National Championships are being revealed over coming weeks — starting with the First Division.


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

February 25 • Music with a Welsh flavouring in parts to celebrate St David's Day with Martin and Julie at 5.00pm.


Big Chat Brass

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

February 25 • Simon and Sandy take the opportunity to discuss the forthcoming Regional Championships with tips and opinions on the five test-pieces to be used.


Radio

Radio: Bandstand

February 25 • More great music from the new brass band radio programme is being broadcast on ABC Classic in Australia.


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

February 23 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting on MONDAY 2nd at 11am in our bandroom.. Join us for a relaxed friendly blow with coffee and cake as an added bonus.. Playing with us wont impact your No1 band so come along for a blow.


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • TUNED PERCUSSION PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • Bb BASS PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


Jason M Smith


Band Trainer (Contest Preparation), Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd