Rocking off the rough edges

‘NEVER stop dreaming’. That’s the motto of Rough Edges: the oldest new band in the West.

Comprising four ‘oldies’ in their late 60s, a nearly oldie of 63 and a 50-something rock chic, this rock and pop group are giving themselves a new lease of life and having a ball at the same time.

‘We get an amazing buzz out of what we’re doing,’ said bass guitarist and vocalist Charlie ‘Chopper’ Rogers who, along with lead guitarist Malc ‘Hip Hop’ Knowlson, formed the band nearly two years ago after a chance meeting at the Old Inn pub at Appin.

‘We may be getting on a bit,’ said lead singer Chris ‘Del Boy’ Pearman, ‘but once we are up there on stage we can rattle the rafters with the best of them!’

‘You’re never too old,’ agrees ‘Precious’ Patricia, one time vocalist and now on keyboard, who hadn’t played in donkeys’ years since taking her piano exams as a teenager.

‘We’re in it for the fun and it’s a brilliant hobby’, says Jimmy ‘Chunky’ Martin from ‘Pineapple House’ Duror, ‘but we take it seriously, practise a lot and don’t take any prisoners so you have to keep focused and stay on the ball. It’s hard work but we have some great laughs too.’

Vocalist Linda ‘Sharkie’ Knowlson, the baby of the group, adds: ‘I was petrified the first time we went on stage and I still get a bit nervous but you also get a huge buzz which makes all the practising worthwhile.’

Soon to cut their own Demo Disc locally at St Mary’s Space Recording Studios, Rough Edges play mainly ’60s, ’70s and ’80s rock and pop classics with newer contemporary numbers being added to the playlist on an ongoing basis.

‘St Mary’s Space is a fantastic facility located at Fasnacloich on Loch Creran,’ says lead gui- tarist Malc Knowlson. ‘Recording there is going to be a brilliant experience. They cater for all types of musicians and performing artists from traditional through classic to rock and pop and we are looking forward to our session in November.’

‘Their ages won’t be a problem,’ jokes St Mary’s Space co-owner Jamie Smith: ‘We have an access ramp and a few zimmers, so they’ll be fine.’

Rough Edges perform at local ‘gigs’ and the occasional community fundraising event and over the past year or so have helped raise funds for Appin, Ballachulish and Duror Community Halls.

Kentallen and Duror Community Hall chairperson Jan Gibson said: ‘We really appreciate Rough Edges performing in aid of our hall funds. Their first concert for us in February 2016 was a sell-out and we are hoping for a similar result from their gig at the hall on November 18.’

If anyone is looking for a fun night’s entertainment then Rough Edges are playing Kentallen and Duror Hall on November 18 (tickets only) and at the newly refurbished Ben Cruachan Inn on November 24.

A final word from Rough Edges: ‘You’re never too old. Just get out there and go for it. You are only here once!’