*
banner

Boycott stumped by PolySteel

Cricket legend Geoffrey Boycott has been stumped by his lack of brass band knowledge it seems...

pOLYsTEEL
 

Geoffrey Boycott may know a thing or two about cricket, but he was stumped over hearing about the name of the PolySteel Band.

Regarded as one of England's finest batsmen ever to have played the game, Geoffrey Boycott thought he was being wound up on BBC Radio Fivelive Sports Extra on hearing the name of the Yeovil champions, PolySteel Brass Band.

Brass Bands for 20:20

The Yorkshireman, well known for his outspoken views on cricket, was speaking on BBC's iconic cricket programme, Test Match Special on Friday afternoon, where commentary was taking place on England verses New Zealand. Listener's were invited to email in about the kind of musical entertainment they would like to see at next year's 20:20 World Cup that is taking place in England.

Talking about his love of music in general, Boycott brought up the subject of brass bands. 'I'd like to see brass bands at the 20:20,' said Geoffrey, before adding, '...there are some well known brass bands up in Yorkshire such as Black Dyke, Brighouse and Rastrick and Grimethorpe'.

Entertaining

The former England cricketer's mention of Yorkshire bands soon led to the e-mails coming in including a suggestion to involve '...one of the most entertaining bands around' — the Polysteel Band.

Boycott thought the mention of the name of PolySteel Brass Band was a complete wind up, and he hinted that as there was the word 'steel' in the title, it had to be a steel band not a brass band4BR

Wind up?

Test Match Special is well known for talking about everything in life, whilst giving its ball-by-ball coverage of international cricket matches, and for the banter between the commentators and Boycott thought the mention of the name of PolySteel Brass Band was a complete wind up, and he hinted that as there was the word 'steel' in the title, it had to be a steel band not a brass band.

Whilst play continued, the BBC's cricket correspondent, Jonathan Agnew declared his delight after receiving an email from a gentleman named David Morgan about PolySteel and the band being sponsored, leaving Boycott to suggest further that it was from one of Jonathan's friends or relatives.

Apology

The explanation that there was indeed a band by the name of PolySteel led to Jonathan Agnew concluding his twenty minute commentary spot by saying '...you're going to have to apologise Geoffrey as here is the proof about the name'.

Geoffrey was a touch sheepish in discovering that the PolySteel Band did exist and quickly went very quiet.

A case of what's in a name for the Yorkshireman.

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    


Podcast

Festival focus for 4BR Review podcast

January 14 • Join the live podcast broadcast this evening with Iwan Fox, Chris Thomas and Dr David Thornton as they preview the attractions at the forthcoming RNCM International Brass Band Festival.


RBC

Area test-piece focus at RBC Brass Day

January 14 • Players, conductors and brass band supporters can enjoy a full day of Third and Fourth Section test-piece workshops in Birmingham — with a Thomas Fountain bonus.


RNCM Festival

Cymbals to soundtracks on offer at RNCM Percussion Day

January 14 • There will be a full day of percussion attractions on offer at the RNCM in February.


Desford

Desford landmark with latest Vietnam tour

January 14 • The 2025 National Champion will head to Vietnam as they mark their 20th overseas tour.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • New Year,New Section,New MD and for you New Band?. We are looking for a Tuned Percussionist for the areas and beyond.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday evening 8-10 in our own bandroom (so no setting up each time).


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (19th) at 11am in our own bandroom.. We welcome players of all abilities to join us for a relaxed,friendly rehearsal with cake and coffee thrown in all free.. Playing with us doesn’t affect your own band


Otley Brass Association

January 11 • Tenor Trombone Player needed for 6 week holiday cover with Otley Brass Band.. Practice is Tuesday nights 7.30-9.30pm at Otley Courthouse, LS21 3AN


Dr Brett Baker

BSc (Hons), ARCM, PG Dip
Marketing Lead, Denis Wick & Alliance Products; Artist at Michael Rath Instruments


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd