Latest news with #Afterdrive
BBC News
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Ipswich band 'thought request to support Sheeran was a scam'
A band has revealed that they initially believed an email confirming their place on the line up for Ed Sheeran's homecoming gig was a scam. Four piece Ipswich group Afterdrive will be supporting the Perfect singer's Sunday concert at Portman Road this weekend, as part of the three nights of shows starting on have made the bill alongside other BBC Introducing artist Esme Emerson, the Ipswich singer song-writer Dylan - and Luton's Brit Rising Star award-winner, Myles singer Ben Watts said he was left speechless on hearing the news, adding: "We were just sat there in silence, because we couldn't comprehend what was happening." The band formed when lead guitarist Luke Ellis, bassist Ed Ruff and frontman Watts, all aged 23, attended college together in 2023. They were joined by Ben's younger brother Joe, 19, who plays the drums. The Watts household were in shock when they found out."Ben and I live under the same roof, and he ran downstairs and told me to check my phone," said drummer Joe Watts. "We saw the message that we'll be supporting Ed Sheeran and we didn't believe it. "We sort of sat up in his room, had a bit of a moment. We've worked quite hard to get here so it's absolutely brilliant." Ben Watts added: "From playing pubs, where we weren't getting paid, charity events where no one would turn up, we stuck at it and we've worked so hard. "I am a bit nervous but I can't wait."The group has amassed more than 300,000 streams on Spotify, and have developed a fan base both locally to Suffolk, across the East and in the capital. Bassist Ed Ruff initially got in contact with Sheeran's camp by handing his management a business card as they were leaving a local event. He said they've been inspired by Sheeran's grafting in his early years. "He's just just an icon, all over the world, but has always been a massive inspiration to us starting this band being local," he said. "You build and build, and then get this opportunity in your home town. It makes it worth it." Lead guitarist Mr Ellis says the groups' bond is its strongest attribute."We love being in a band, this is all we've ever wanted to do," he said. "Every band has their arguments, but we all agree on basically everything. "It's just a really close bond." It has been a memorable 2025 for Afterdrive, who also played a wet Ipswich Music Day, and will be representing BBC Introducing in Suffolk at the Latitude festival. Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
07-07-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Downpours fail to dampen spirits at Ipswich Music Day
A mixture of rain, sun and more rain failed to quash the spirits of revellers and performers, as Ipswich Music Day celebrated its 35th free festival regularly sees thousands of people descend on Christchurch Park to see mostly local acts perform, though on Sunday the crowd was forced to dodge a number of heavy showers."There's no denying there was a lot of rain at the start of the day, but by about 14:30 the sun was blazing and the crowds really turned out," said Wayne Bavin, who was compering the BBC Suffolk Whiting, head of vibrant town services at Ipswich Borough Council, added that despite the unfavourable weather, "as usual it was a great, free day out". "I've now been part of this event for well over 20 years and it keeps drawing in people every single year," he unique selling point was its "quality music" provided by local acts, he council managed to keep the event free by working with as many stakeholders as possible, he said, holding commercial events earlier in the year and raising income through concessions, such as bars. Local band Afterdrive spoke of their excitement to be performing, ahead of their support slot for Suffolk star Ed Sheeran at Portman Road next Ben Watts said despite the "iffy" weather, they were "all super blown away". Other band members added it was great preparation for next week's stadium Atkins, 78, and Bernadette Atkins, 77, said they had come to the event every year for many said Ipswich Music Day could usually be "quite wet", with Norman adding "it's brilliant". Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
New local acts added to Latitude Festival line-up
New and emerging music acts from across the East of England will have their chance to shine at the Latitude Festival, after being selected by BBC is one of the UK's biggest music and art festivals and is expected to welcome more than 40,000 people to Henham Park, near Southwold in Suffolk, between 24 and 27 Introducing Suffolk and Norfolk are teaming up with their Cambridgeshire and Essex counterparts for the first time.A total of 21 local acts will take to the Lavish Lounge, while headliners at the festival include Sting, Fatboy Slim and Snow Patrol. Acts from Suffolk include indie pop band Afterdrive with their mix of infectious, melodic anthems, and Shaggy FX - a young DJ and producer from Essex is PORTEUS, a 26-year-old multi-instrumentalist and songwriter from Colchester, as well as Monster Norfolk, tinyumbrellas bring their blend of folksy indie pop, having started life in a bedroom during the Coronavirus lockdown with a guitar and a ukulele. Alice-Lily, a 22-year-old singer-songwriter, also takes to the stage. Acts from Cambridgeshire include Fran Lusty, known for her indie-folk storytelling. Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
