BIMM Super Group Performs Charity Concert
Tutors, students, graduates and staff from BIMM Brighton recently came together for a one-off charity benefit performance of Peter Gabriel’s seminal 1986 album So, which took place at one of Brighton and Hove’s best-loved live music venues.
The event, called ‘So Relived’, was held at The Old Market in late June ’19 and raised a grand total of £3000 for the Phumelela Project. These funds will benefit the charity’s wonderful work supporting vulnerable young adults through education, counselling and vocational training in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland).
A night to remember
Warming up the audience before the main event was BIMM Brighton alumnus Scott Booth. The supporting artist (who holds a BA (Hons) Songwriting degree from the college) performed his signature virtuosic guitar instrumentals as the venue filled with gig-goers.
After an introduction from the Phumelela Project’s co-founder Joyce Gallie, Peter Gabriel’s classic art-pop masterpiece was performed live and in-full by a band of top-class session musicians whose collective list of previous collaborators include the likes of Spice Girls, Mick Jagger, Ronnie Wood, Slash, Procol Harum, Jamie Cullum and Basement Jaxx to name just a few.
Featuring BIMM lecturers and one college alumnus, the band was fronted by BIMM Brighton’s very own college Principal Martin Wright on lead vocals. He explained the reason for selecting the Phumelela Project:
“Vocal tutor Elliot May brought this charity to our attention as we were very keen to attach the event to a worthy cause. Peter Gabriel has been a huge supporter for many charities over his career (specifically Amnesty international) and he has always been very conscious of World Music, which made the choice of Phumelela Project make complete sense to us all.”
Funds for the charity were raised through a combination of advance ticket sales and audience donations. Plus, a live auction of a limited-edition vinyl boxset of So, which was generously donated by Peter Gabriel himself and representatives from his record label Real World, each of whom gave their full blessing and support for the concert.
An all-star line-up
A formidable amount of talent was on display throughout the concert as the supergroup performed classic tracks such as ‘Sledgehammer’, ‘Don’t Give Up’ and ‘Big Time’. All the tracks were played with attention to detail and ultimate respect for one of the most iconic records of the eighties. The full line-up of performers included:
- Vinnie Lammi: Drums
- Russell Carr: Bass
- Jim Williams: Guitar
- Damien Morris: Guitar
- Wayne Rich: Percussion
- Paul ‘Jomo’ Krushinski: Keys (Songwriting graduate)
- Elliot May: Backing Vocals
- Julie Brighten: Backing Vocals
- Faye Streek: Backing Vocals
- Martin Wright: Lead Vocals
- Hailey Skae: Trumpet (BIMM Exams team)
- Colin Stansbury: Alto Sax
- Amaziah Davis: Trombone
The collaborative aspect of ‘So Relived’ even extended beyond the stage to current BIMM students, with Music Production undergraduate Alfie Wales creating a selection of stunning on-stage synchronised visuals, Music Journalism student Georgia Mallinder acting as official photographer for the event and ex-Diploma student Casey Newman ensuring everything sounded perfect as front of house Sound Technician.
The whole gig was captured on film by Curtis Godfrey and Adam Tidd – both students at BIMM’s creative education partner, Brighton Film School, and official social media posts for the event were handled by recent Songwriting degree graduate Romarni Brytz.
College Principal Martin Wright was incredibly pleased with the event, and of course, the total funds raised.
“The night could not have gone better for everyone involved. It was a realisation of a lot of people’s hard work and passion for the project and for such a wonderful cause. It shows the power of music and how it can bring so many wonderful people together with a singular focus. A huge well done goes out to each and every person involved with this charity event. We look forward to seeing how the funds generated will benefit the fantastic ongoing work of the Phumelela Project.”
Photos c/o Georgia Mallinder
