MUSIC NEWS Scotland

More than 20 rock bands join forces in fundraiser aimed at raising thousands for Yorkhill Childrens Foundation

Glasgow will play host to a major music event aimed at raising thousands of pounds for Yorkhill Children’s Foundation next month. Taking place on May 1st, Rock For Funds with see well over 20 bands hit the stage as venues Pivo Pivo and Ivory Blacks open their doors to hundreds of music fans for a full day of all-out rock’n’roll.

The brainchild of Tam Johnston, “Rock For Funds” started life as a one-off fundraiser to pay for a young girl to receive vital support at the Royal Blind School – support she was originally denied by the local authority.

The event proved such a success that everyone involved decided it would great idea to host an annual event.

Tam commented, “Rock For Funds is really a happy accident. We didn’t plan to follow up the initial event at all – I saw it very much as a one-off. That was until one of the bands who had played at the original event suggested that we do it again.”

“I figured why not. Only this time, I thought it would be great to help more kids who were in need of some extra funds. And, if you know the work that Yorkhill do with kids, they really were the perfect choice this year.”

While Tam claims to be ‘no Bob Geldof’, he has managed to gather a very credible line-up, which should draw a crowd. Headlining are Attica Rage who are gaining a great reputation with world-wide sales and radio airplay of new album Road Dog.

Tam continued, “Of course, the event only works if you get the bands involved. And this year, we’ve managed to secure some of the best Scottish bands around right now. I’d prefer not to single any band out but I must emphasise every single one of the 20 plus bands doing a turn must take enormous credit – none have asked for or are taking a fee.”

This year’s beneficiaries, Yorkhill Children’s Foundation, are delighted to be involved. Speaking for the charity, David Welch commented, “It’s really great that Rock For Funds have chosen to raise money for Yorkhill Children’s Foundation this year. It shows Glasgow’s rock fans have a caring side and we look forward to using the money raised to help us in our work funding the medical equipment and projects invaluable to the treatment, care, physical and mental well being of sick children and babies at Yorkhill and beyond.”

With organisers hopeful of a full house at both venues, Tam was quick to talk up the charitable aspect to Rock For Funds, “In an era where everyone is out for themselves, I think it’s a credit to everyone involved that every penny raised for charity goes to charity – nobody involved makes a penny. And even if you can’t attend, we ask that everyone helps by spreading the word about the event.”

Big C of headliners Attica Rage said, “Getting involved with Rock For Funds was really a no-brainer for us. Apart from being able to catch up with family and friends, we’d heard who this year’s charity was and we all know someone who has been helped by Yorkhill at one time or another, so we feel privileged to be able to do something like this in our home town.”

For more information on the event, you can visit www.rockforfunds.co.uk