Rock for James and Alan (From Daily Echo)
When news happens, text SDE and your photos or videos to 80360. Or contact us by email and phone.
Firemen form a band to perform with local heroes Rufus Stone
11:45am Friday 2nd July 2010 in News
READY TO ROCK: Station manager Niall Hayden and watch manager Paul Trew. Buy this photo »
HAMPSHIRE’S firefighters will turn rock stars as they take centre stage with one of Southampton’s top bands to honour the bravery of their fallen colleagues.
Eager to pay their own special tribute to Alan Bannon and James Shears, who lost their lives in the line of duty, two music-loving firefighters have got together to host a unique fundraising gig.
With the help of the city’s soul kings Rufus Stone, Niall Hayden and Paul Trew hope to raise hundreds of pounds with their music extravaganza at The Brook in Portswood, on July 7.
United in grief the pair wanted to do something to help the young families of 38-year-old Alan and 35-year-old James, who were killed tackling a fire on the ninth floor of Shirley Towers in April.
All proceeds from the event, which will boast the first live performance from Snatch Rescue, a band made up of firefighters especially for the gig, will be donated to the James Shears and Alan Bannon Memorial Fund.
Niall, from Redbridge fire station, said: “After the tragic events at Shirley Towers where two of our mates, James Shears and Alan Bannon lost their lives, I thought about organising a live music event to raise money for their families.
“A colleague of mine Paul Trew had the same thought and we approached The Brook as it is definitely the best place for this kind of gig. We are delighted that the south’s premier soul band Rufus Stone have also agreed to play at this unique event.”
Taking to the stage will also be Monkey Closet, Niall’s own band, formed with members of the emergency services.
Paul, who worked with both James and Alan, said: “There are a lot of people in the St Mary’s community and indeed the wider city of Southampton who owe these firefighters so much.
“It is their families who are at the forefront of our minds now and that is why we hope people will support us for what promises to be a great night of live music.”
Malcolm Eyers, lead singer of Rufus Stone, added: “We were only too pleased to be associated with this event which is for such a worthwhile cause.”
Tickets for the event, which starts at 8pm, cost £12. For your tickets call The Brook box office on 023 8055 5366.
Comments(5)
merchant seaman
says...
4:57pm Fri 2 Jul 10
It's a great pity we don't do the same for the real hero's that come home from Afghanistan in a box !
Maybe some of us should think about that, but of course it's not on our doorstep !!
west 17
says...
5:10pm Fri 2 Jul 10
merchant seaman wrote:Charming!...Lets hope you never need to make a call for help with an attitude like that.
I would have thought by now these families have had enough money raised for them !! It's a great pity we don't do the same for the real hero's that come home from Afghanistan in a box ! Maybe some of us should think about that, but of course it's not on our doorstep !!
BerryMan
says...
8:49pm Fri 2 Jul 10
merchant seaman wrote:Those two families will be missing out on Alan and Jims wages for the next 15 or so years until they are old enough to support themselves. The firefighters are looking out for their families. Good on them, they have suffered enough. Not taking anything away from the Servicemens families who too deserve to be looked after.
I would have thought by now these families have had enough money raised for them !! It's a great pity we don't do the same for the real hero's that come home from Afghanistan in a box ! Maybe some of us should think about that, but of course it's not on our doorstep !!
Do you get off your ar$e to help raise money for them or just give the odd quid and think you have done your bit? Eh Mr Seamen?
Jim and Alan were Real Heroes you tool.
Anyone prepared to give their life for others is.
EELS MAN
says...
9:12pm Fri 2 Jul 10
Maybe compassion is on it's way back in the UK :-).
I agree with the Afghan thing as well though, it's a real hard time losing anyone.
Well done & bless you!
west 17 says...
4:55pm Fri 2 Jul 10