Thursday 29th May saw London’s first ever Weekend Warrior gig at the Luminaire, Kilburn. Four bands, whose members were strangers just five weeks previously, took to the stage in front of a crowd of around 100 friends and family, with remarkably few nerves on show. The gig was the culmination of the first Weekend Warriors programme run at the Institute for Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP) in Kilburn.

First up were ‘The Strugglers’ featuring Fenton Morris-Winmill on lead guitar, Syra Vahidy and Richard Warren on guitar and Steve Dawson on bass. Vocals were shared between Syra, Fenton and Richard, ably assisted by ICMP student Rachel Flint. Student drummer Chris Woolams from the ICMP completed the line-up. Far from struggling, the group delivered polished performances of; Son of a Preacher Man, White Room, That'll be the Day and Walk in the room.

Next up were the ‘848’s’ featuring Tim Foster on bass and acoustic guitar, Geoff Duff on guitar, Rodrigo Marquez on guitar and Rob Wallace on guitar and backing vocals. Once again, lead vocals and drums were supplied by ICMP students Paula Murphy and Stuart Lawson. In a performance which belied the fact that they’d only formed five weeks previously, the group wowed their audience with their enthusiastic renditions of; Come Together, Hey Joe, Smile (EC bluesy version) and Californication.

The only band not to feature students from the ICMP took the stage next and treated the crowd to a lively performance. ‘Not Dead Yet’ consisting of; Paul McMahon on vocals and bass, John Nodder on guitar and keyboard, Mark Houghton on guitar and Dave Butcher on drums, proved that they were indeed very much alive with a set featuring Can’t Get Enough, Don’t Believe a Word, Desperado and Black magic Woman.

Speaking after their set John Nodder of Not Dead Yet said “Weekend Warriors is a great way to get together with other musicians, in a similar age range, and make music. The ICMP put us together, but Paul, Dave, Mark and I got on very well from the start, and came up with a great set. For younger musicians, 70’s music is rock history - for us it's nostalgia! I loved the rehearsals, after a hard day's work as a corporate drone it was sheer bliss to go and make music!”

‘The Squishy Fish’ were last, but by no means least, on stage at the Luminaire. Dedicating their set to absent band member Pat Lampitt, who was recovering from a heart attack he’d suffered the previous week, Jack Nicole on bass, Bob Ralston on guitar, David Butcher on acoustic, John Benson on lead vocal and guitar and ICMP student Steve Muncaster on drums rounded up a hugely successful night with rocking versions of Walk this Way, La Vida Loca and Paradise City.

As the evening drew to a happy close Rob Wallis of 848’s summed up the Weekend Warriors experience; “A few weeks ago I was placed in a band. We had five rehearsals, chose our own material, resulting in playing at a prestigious venue, with professional sound system, stage etc where I’ve seen my tutors play - thinking I could never be good enough for that as my fingers rarely do as I ask of them!....But in the run up I gained in confidence and when the moment arrived my nerves just disappeared and I enjoyed myself playing on the stage, being part of the band, sharing our bit with the audience. I just let go and pleasure and smiles flooded into my performance. I’d recommend this, the experience has been a great stepping stone for me - go on give yourself permission to have a go; it really is never too late! My confidence has grown and I will remember the first time I played in a band with great pleasure and warmth.”

The Weekend Warriors experience starts again in London at the ICMP on 3rd July with the next induction evening and further programmes are planned over the next year. To reserve your place or to speak to one of the admission advices, click here.