*
banner

Grimethorpe Tour: Day 8 — Prison!

After a brilliant sell out concert in Melbourne, a number of Grimethorpe players find themselves temporarily behind bars...

Melbourne Goal
 

The morning after their incredible sell out concert at Melbourne's vast Hamer Hall and a brilliant night out in the city centre, several players from Grimethorpe spent the morning in the city's gaol...

Ned Kelly

Thankfully, it wasn't anything to do with high jinks, but as a sight-seeing trip to one of the city's leading tourist attractions — in this case the old prison that once held and was the place of execution of famous bushranger outlaw Ned Kelly.

The players also took time out to visit the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the set of the well known Australian soap opera, Neighbours.

Brilliant concert

Tour Manager Craig Roberts told 4BR: "If the audience had anything to do with it after such a brilliant concert, they would have kept the band locked up there for another day on the provision that they would have to do another performance before letting them free!"

That was certainly on the books after Grimethorpe wowed over 1500 fans in a concert that once again saw demands for extra encores before they were able to leave the stage.

Worldwide reputation

Dr Robert Childs told 4BR: "There have been so many highlights, but this was something else. It says a great deal about the worldwide reputation of Grimethorpe Colliery Band that we met people who had travelled from all over Australia to see us perform.

We were told we could have sold out the venue twice over, so my thanks go to the concert promoters Andrew Kaye Associates and all the brass band fans who have made us feel so welcome."

It says a great deal about the worldwide reputation of Grimethorpe Colliery Band that we met people who had travelled from all over Australia to see us performDr Robert Childs

Old friends

The band was also delighted to be able to meet up with former Grimethorpe bass trombonist Andy Snell, who played with the Brass in Concert champion for several years in the 1990s — including their historic 1992 National Championships win. Andy is now Managing Director of the Victorian Opera and conductor of the Kew Brass Band.

Following their Melbourne performance the band headed to Frankston for what was a rapturously received concert at the Frankston Arts Centre before heading to Tasmania.

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    


4BR review

4BR Review podcast — National Final retrospective

October 14 • Join the live podcast on Wednesday evening to look back at a memorable Albert Hall contest.


National Band of New Zealand

New Zealand names 2026 brass band All Blacks

October 14 • The players who will represent the nation as their National Band have been announced.


Coleridge

Besses help mark Coleridge-Taylor anniversary

October 14 • Besses o' th' Barn Band has helped to provide a timely celebration of the life and music of the pioneering composer black composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor.


BrookWright Music

BrookWright Music: Christmas for Two

October 14 • Christmas for Two — 70 Traditional Christmas Songs & Carols for two alike instruments


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 14 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Berkeley Brass

Friday 17 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Wigfield Brass Quintet

Friday 17 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Friday 17 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Brass - Brett Baker

Friday 17 October • The Salvation Army (Regent Hall), 275 Oxford Street, London WC1 2DJ


Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band

October 14 • Eb and Bb Bass Players Wanted! . Our friendly and welcoming brass band is seeking enthusiastic bass players to strengthen our lower end.. Rehearsals are on Thursday evenings, 8-10pm in Woodley near Reading.


Dobcross Silver Band

October 13 • Currently 3rd Section National Champions and subsequent promotion to SECOND SECTION in 2026, we aim to add another PERCUSSIONIST to our award winning section. Dynamic all rounder preferred. You will love it here! Great rehearsals, gigs and socials!


Dobcross Silver Band

October 13 • Current 3rd Section National Champions and pending promotion to 2ND SECTION. We require the services of a competent PRINCIPAL CORNET PLAYER. Great opportunity for someone to show their skills and leadership qualities! Enjoyable events and socials!. Contact


Phillip Littlemore

GGSM, AoBBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator, Arranger, Teacher and Publisher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd