Below the radar

elkel · June 23, 2009

As the official programme appears not to include them, thought I might just give THE FUEL a mention.

Playing the BBC Introducing stage in the park at 1 oclock Sunday.

Sorry for the plug but its a big big day for the boys, who were hand picked by Michaels Eavis himself and kieron Pepper ( Prodigy )

Avon and Somerset Constabulary web site

Six days and counting for the winning band as they prepare to play at this year's Glastonbury Festival.

The final of Avon and Somerset Constabulary's first ever Battle of the Bands was held at the end of May, an event packed full of energy, passion, musical talent - and of course screaming fans.

Eight bands fought it out throughout the day at the Colston Hall in Bristol. Amidst screaming fans and in front of the judges; Glastonbury organiser Michael Eavis, Chief Constable Colin Port, Dan Portingale and Keiron Pepper from The Prodigy, four-piece indie/rock band 'The Fuel' powered their way to victory in the grand final cheered on by an entourage of supporters.

The competition was a hotbed of young local talent and Michel Eavis said "All the acts were of a very high standard but in the end there was a clear winner."

Kieron Pepper added "I was honoured to be asked to be a judge. There was a wealth of talent and some dynamic performances."

The winning band consisting of Danny McMahon 18, Iggy Hadi 17, Eddie Lee 17, and Ed "hair-straighter" Shipsides are now preparing themselves for the performance of a lifetime this Sunday when they will play at 1:00pm on the BBC Introducing Stage in The Park area of the Glastonbury Festival.

The BBC Introducing Stage supports unsigned, undiscovered and under the radar music. They aim to nurture the freshest artists across the UK and give unsigned bands the chance to play at major events and festivals like Glastonbury, Reading, Leeds or the BBC's Electric Proms. They also invite the very best new acts to record sessions at the BBC's world famous Maida Vale studios and helped launch bands such as The Ting Tings and The Wombats.

Formed in 2007, The Fuel had already played over 60 gigs at some of Bristol's biggest venues, including the Carling Academy, within their first year and headlined at the region's YOUTH4YOUTH festival. Their performance at the Colston Hall was slick and professional and the guys had the screaming fans in the palm of their hands.

A spokes person for the Constabulary who was at the final said: "These guys are proper rock stars. When they came on the crowd went crazy, they gave an electric performance, which I can't wait to see again at the festival".

Have a good festival guys!!!!!!