Strath band aid for terror victims
House of 4 moved as Manchester tragedy unfolded on TV
Members of a young Strathearn band are organising a charity gig for families affected by the Manchester terror attack.
A total of 22 people are known to have died on Monday after a bomb went off at the end of a concert by American singer Ariana Grande at Manchester Arena. Scores of others, including many children, suffered injuries and are currently being cared for in hospitals across the north-west of England.
Moved by the tragedy, local act House of 4 are arranging a benefit gig to raise money for the families who have seen their lives thrown into turmoil.
Joe Clark from Crieff, James Roddick from Muthill and Reece Liversedge from Comrie – all of whom are 17 years of age – said they felt compelled to do something after watching the horrific scenes unfold on television.
Joe, the band’s bassist and co- lead vocalist, explained: “Last night [Tuesday] I was watching the news and for a solid 45- 50 minutes it was all about the Manchester attack. I know people who
were there and got away, thank God, but it just popped into my head that we should do something
“I messaged the others in the band and said‘right boys, do you want to do something?’and they both came back saying‘yes’. It is brutal and horrible, something as beautiful as music shouldn’t be used in such a horrible way.”
The band say the gig will be on either June 30 or July 7, and probably in Strathearn Community Campus, and added they have already been inundated with people wanting to help them out.
Tickets will be around £5-£10, but they will also have a collection bucket on the door for those who want to donate more.
Joe continued:“All the proceeds raised from the gig will go to charities across Manchester in aid of the families.
“This is something I am incredibly passionate about, especially after something so horrible and disgusting happening in front of little kids.
“So many people will have been affected and we need to do our bit to show some respect and stand in solidarity with the people of Manchester.”
Joe is also determined to not let this attack ward people off from enjoying live music in the future.
He told the Herald:“I am going to see Blink 182 soon and I know my parents will be worried.
“I am worried myself, but I know when you get worried those people who are so brutish and nasty are winning and you can’t let that happen.
“We need to stand up with everyone, and stand up against terrorism.
“There is not much we can do, but we need to do what we are able to help those who have experienced this attack, and will experience similar attacks in the future.”
The three lads are currently in the middle of their final year exams at Crieff High School and St John’s Academy in Perth, but are determined to organise the gig to help those affected by the terrorist attack.
More concrete details will be posted on social media once finalised.
Search for‘House of 4’on Facebook or ‘@houseof4gb’on Twitter.