*
banner

The curious case of The Holy City and Jack the Ripper

A new book may have you thinking twice about playing the famous cornet solo The Holy City ever again...

Maybrick
 

Here's a question you won't hear posed every day of the week?

What's the link between the bloke who directed the cult film 'Withnail & I', the famous Victorian ballad song 'The Holy City', so beloved of cornet soloists at slow melody contests for generations... and 'Jack the Ripper'?

They All Love Jack

Well according to a new book called 'They All Love Jack', written by award winning screenplay writer Bruce Robinson (who directed 'Withnail & I') — a singer/composer called Michael Maybrick (above), who worked under the musical pseudonym of Stephen Adams — the man behind of 'The Holy City', written in 1892 — also happened to be the most infamous serial killer in history...

Colourful

The book has just been published by Harper Collins and has created a bit of a stir — and you can read why in a cracking (and very colourful) interview the author gives to journalist Robert Chalmers for this month's GQ magazine.

Top G finish

So the next time any budding cornet player struggles to hit the top G finish to the end of 'Jerusalem! Jerusalem! Lift up your gates and sing, Hosanna in the highest! Hosanna to your King!' their minds may be a little distracted if they read Bruce's book first...

the next time any budding cornet player struggles to hit the top G finish to the end of 'Jerusalem! Jerusalem! Lift up your gates and sing... their minds may be a little distracted4BR

Go to:

http://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/comment/articles/2015-10/05/jack-the-ripper-revealed-they-all-love-jack-bruce-robinson?utm_source=Outbrain&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=GQSeptemberOctober2015

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    


Alan Duguid

Interview with Alan Duguid

June 26 • 4BR talks to conductor Alan Duguid about the inspirations behind his band's latest contemporary concert featuring works by Malcolm Arnold, David Bedford, Judith Bingham, Freddie Myers, Richard Rodney Bennett, Edmund Rubbra and Raymond Yiu.


Alan Jenkins

Alan Jenkins funeral details announced

June 25 • The funeral details for the highly respected musician and journalist Alan Jenkins have been announced.


Gray and Waespi

Gray and Waespi to lead joint masterclass approach in Bern

June 25 • A four-day conducting and composing masterclass led by Russell Gray and Oliver Waespi will take place in Bern later this year.


Perth Concert Hall

Invites open for Scottish Festival of Brass

June 25 • Bands wishing to take part in the Band Supplies Scottish Challenge and the Scottish Open supported by Besson.


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Mossley Band

Sunday 28 June • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


East London Brass

June 26 • Percussionist: ELB is looking for a talented percussionist to join our existing section. We’re an ambitious band with an exciting programme and plenty to look forward to in the second half of the year.


Lostock Hall Brass Band

June 23 • Could you be the kit player to make our percussion team complete? . We would love to hear from you.. with National Finals in September and promotion to the North West 1st Section from January 2027 there is so much to look forward too .


Lostock Hall Brass Band

June 23 • Lostock Hall Memorial Brass Band, 2026 North West 2nd Section champions, seek applications for a vibrant, enthusiastic Musical Director to continue to develop and grow the band. . National Finals in September and Promotion to the 1st Section in 2027


Gordon Eddison

B Ed (Hons). Member AoBBA.
Conductor and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd